It had been dark at the beach for hours, he hadn't been smoking much and it wasn't headlights-but before she turned away, he could swear he saw light falling on her face, the orange light just after sunset that catches a face turned to the west, watching the ocean for someone to come in on the last wave of the day, in to shore and safety.
In Thomas Pynchon's "Inherent Vice," a scene unfolds on a beach cloaked in darkness, where the protagonist observes a woman. The dim environment contrasts with a fleeting moment when he perceives an orange light gracing her face, reminiscent of sunset hues. This imagery creates a sense of longing and anticipation as she gazes toward the ocean, seemingly waiting for a figure to emerge on the final wave of the day.
This moment is rich with symbolism, indicating a yearning for connection and safety as the day draws to a close. The character's inner reflections tie in with themes of hope and searching for solace, suggesting that even amidst darkness, light can briefly illuminate our path and our emotions. The ocean serves as a metaphor for the unknown, while the fading light represents the transient nature of hope in a complex world.
Rate the Quote
User Reviews
Other quotes in book quote
All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
