In John Irving's "Avenue of Mysteries," a conversation takes place regarding the intimate scenes in his novels, revealing differing perspectives on sex. Dorothy expresses her admiration for how the author portrays intimacy, while Miriam, her mother, implies that she has experience to judge such portrayals. This exchange highlights a generational gap and differing levels of comfort with discussing sexuality.

The dialogue touches on the complexities of understanding sexual relationships and the subjective nature of intimacy. Dorothy's plea to her mother to refrain from elaborating suggests discomfort with the topic, even as Miriam shares her wisdom. This moment encapsulates the tension inherent in discussions about sex within families, illustrating both admiration and the desire to maintain boundaries.