Torn between the impulse to stroke his head, and the urge to cave it in with a rock, I did neither.
The narrator experiences a conflicting emotional response towards someone close. On one hand, there is a desire for affection, symbolized by the urge to stroke the person's head, indicating warmth and tenderness. On the other hand, there is a violent impulse to harm, represented by the urge to cave in the person's head with a rock, showcasing deep frustration or anger. This internal struggle highlights the complexity of human emotions and relationships.
The quote from "Dragonfly in Amber" by Diana Gabaldon illustrates a rich tension that many can relate to—feeling torn between love and aggression. It emphasizes how intense feelings can coexist, creating a dilemma where the individual is rendered immobile, unable to act on either impulse. This poignant moment encapsulates the conflicting nature of affection and resentment that can arise within personal connections.
