There is at least one terrible thing about lovers – real lovers, I mean: people who are in love with each other, even then they will relish their every physical contact in a sexual way; even when they're supposed to be in a kind of mourning, they can get aroused. Franny and I simply couldn't have gone on holding each other on the stairs: it was impossible to touch each other, at all, and not want to touch everything.
The quote reflects on the intense physical connection experienced by true lovers, suggesting that their desire for each other is almost inescapable, even in inappropriate moments such as mourning. This connection complicates their emotions, as physical interactions can provoke overwhelming desires that overshadow the gravity of their situation. The contrast between the emotional weight of mourning and the fervent urges that arise highlights the struggle lovers face in reconciling their feelings with societal expectations.
In the context of Franny and the speaker's relationship, the quote illustrates the tension they experience while trying to maintain intimacy without succumbing to their physical desires. The mention of "impossible to touch each other" emphasizes the difficulty in avoiding temptation. This duality of love and desire can create a private conflict, where the lovers find themselves grappling with their passion amidst moments that call for restraint or sorrow, thereby showcasing the complexities of romantic relationships.
