The quote "No mere human can stand in a fire and not be consumed" from A.S. Byatt's novel "Possession" suggests the overwhelming nature of passion and the transformative experiences that come with intense emotion. It implies that engaging fully with powerful feelings, whether love, ambition, or creativity, can change a person fundamentally, often at a cost. The imagery of fire conveys both danger and intensity, highlighting the risks involved in pursuing deep connections or truths.
Byatt’s exploration within "Possession" delves into the lives of two scholars who uncover a romantic relationship between two poets, reflecting on how their personal lives are engulfed by the search for knowledge and the flames of desire. The quote serves as a metaphor for the challenges faced when navigating life's passions and the inevitability of being altered by such experiences, rarely exiting the metaphorical fire unscathed.