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And loveliest sight of all, in front of the fire, stretched at full length, was his tiger - and on him - also at full length - reclined the lady, garbed in some strange clinging garment of heavy purple crepe, its hem embroidered with gold, one white arm resting on the beast's head, her back supported by a pile of the velvet cushions, and a heap of rarely bound books at her side, while between her red lips was a rose not redder than they - an almost scarlet rose.

Elinor Glyn#1

DescriptionFictionLoveLuxury

About this quote

What does it mean?
A vivid description of a romantic scene featuring a tiger, luxurious clothing, and a rose.
In plain terms
A lady and her tiger relax by the fire in fancy clothes with a rose in her mouth.
What can you take from it?
Vivid details create strong mental images.

Where it applies

  • fiction writing
  • visual storytelling

Putting it to work

  • use specific details
  • combine objects for mood

Questions to consider

  • What details make a scene stick?
  • How do you use sensory words?

Another view

Such descriptions can feel indulgent or dated.

More from Elinor Glyn

  1. A madness of tender caressing seized her. She purred as a tiger might have done, while she undulated like a snake.

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  2. No matter what he does, one always forgives him. It does not depend upon looks, either - although this actual person is abominably good-looking - it does not d…

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  3. To have 'It', the fortunate possessor must have that strange magnetism which attracts both sexes. He or she must be entirely unselfconscious and full of self-c…

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