Thérèse Raquin Sex Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

Her thirsting body gave itself wildly up to lust. It was as though she were awaking from a dream and being born to passion. She went from the feeble arms of Camille to the vigorous arms of Laurent [...]. All the instincts of a highly-strung woman burst forth with exceptional violence. Her mother's blood, that African blood burning in her veins, began to flow and pound furiously in her thin, still almost virginal body. (7.6)

The burning "African blood" inherited from Thérèse's mother has apparently been stifled by Camille's feebleness. As soon as this zesty rapscallion escapes her boring married life, she unleashes her true passion.

Quote #5

The young woman seemed to enjoy her daring and impudence. She had no misgivings, no fear. She was throwing herself into adultery with a kind of urgent candour, careless of danger, feeling a sort of pride in taking risks. (7.22)

Thérèse's sexual desire for Laurent begins to affect her everyday behavior. At the beginning of the novel, Thérèse used to hide her sassiness behind a mask of passivity. But now she takes pleasure in risking the discovery of her adulterous affair. She's a changed woman, indeed.

Quote #6

After Camille's murder, when they had once more felt desire for one another, they had restrained themselves, waiting for the wedding night and the promise of wild passion when they were safe from punishment. And now, at last, the wedding night had arrived and they were left face to face anxious and troubled by a sudden feeling of uncertainty. (21.6)

Between the time of Camille's death and the night of the wedding, Thérèse and Laurent don't have sex at all. Not even once. And even on their wedding night, they can't bring themselves to have sex. It is unclear whether this shift in their attraction to each other can be read as a sign of their guilt. (Because of Zola's Preface. Otherwise, the message is pretty clear, really…)