In Sebastian Faulks' novel "Engleby," the narrator expresses a profound reaction to a woman's beauty, feeling compelled to distance himself from her. This reflects the intense emotions that beauty can evoke, leading to a mixture of admiration and insecurity. The narrator's feelings hint at a deeper exploration of his psyche and the messiness of human attraction. This moment emphasizes the themes of longing and isolation present in the story, illustrating how beauty can create both desire and discomfort. The quote encapsulates the tension between admiration and the fear of being overwhelmed by another’s allure, resulting in a complex emotional landscape.

In Sebastian Faulks' novel "Engleby," the narrator expresses a profound reaction to a woman's beauty, feeling compelled to distance himself from her. This reflects the intense emotions that beauty can evoke, leading to a mixture of admiration and insecurity. The narrator's feelings hint at a deeper exploration of his psyche and the messiness of human attraction.

This moment emphasizes the themes of longing and isolation present in the story, illustrating how beauty can create both desire and discomfort. The quote encapsulates the tension between admiration and the fear of being overwhelmed by another’s allure, resulting in a complex emotional landscape.