She approached me with enough sex appeal to stampede a businessmen's lunch
This quote vividly captures the irresistible allure that someone can exude, highlighting the power of sex appeal as a formidable force that can influence and captivate those around her. The imagery used—'stampede a businessmen's lunch'—conveys a sense of overwhelming impact, suggesting that her presence is not just attractive but almost disruptive in its intensity. Such a description resonates with themes in noir fiction, where charisma and allure often intersect with danger and intrigue. Raymond Chandler's writing, exemplified here, often examines the complexities of human desire and the underlying motives behind seemingly superficial attractions. The quote invites us to consider how powerful attraction can be as a form of social influence, and how it can alter the perceptions and behaviors of those who encounter it. Furthermore, the setting implied—businessmen during their lunch—brings to mind a moment of distraction, a fleeting lapse amid seriousness and routine, illustrating how charm can momentarily derail focus and perhaps lead to consequences in a narrative context. It also emphasizes the double-edged nature of such allure—while attractive, it might also be a tool or weapon that can be wielded deliberately or unconsciously by a character to manipulate or influence others. Overall, the quote underscores the intensity of personal magnetism and its role within storytelling that delves into human psychology, societal roles, and the often unpredictable dance between appearance and reality.