In Jeanette Winterson's work '(The Passion)', this phrase encapsulates the intricate and delicate nature of intense emotions and desires. The metaphor of passion being 'split strand by strand' evokes the image of unraveling something deeply intertwined, revealing its complex layers one at a time. This process can be both exhilarating and painful, as each strand unveiled allows us to understand a part of the whole, but also exposes vulnerabilities. It suggests that true passion is not simply a burst of fleeting emotion but a carefully unraveled tapestry woven through time, effort, and intimacy. Such a perspective encourages us to savor the gradual revelation of our feelings and the painstaking work involved in truly understanding and embracing our passions. It challenges the notion that passion should be quick or superficial; instead, it advocates for patience and appreciation of each fragment that contributes to the bigger picture. The imagery emphasizes that the sweetness of passion is often found not in the exuberance of the initial surge but in the slow, deliberate uncovering of its depths. This can apply to relationships, creative pursuits, or personal ambitions—because enduring passion is often a result of relentless unpicking and exploration, revealing unforeseen beauty and strength embedded in each strand. Overall, this quote resonates as a celebration of the nuanced beauty in uncovering one’s deepest desires through persistent, meticulous effort—each strand adding richness and complexity to the tapestry of human experience.