How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Girl he loves. My face was raw. I cradled it in my hands. Give me a mask, any mask! I swung my hair forward. […] What was I to do? I wished I could love, how I wished! (27.44-46)
Finally we get a romantic moment, though when Eldric admits his love to Briony, she is not ready to receive it. She thinks this is because she cannot love, but it might have more to do with her lack of self-love and confidence.
Quote #8
I wish he'd help lay down new brain paths for me and scuff out the old. I wish he'd tell me how perfect I am, just as Father did when I was small. (32.85)
Now knowing about the negative self image that was built by her stepmother, Briony begins to want to show herself love. She wishes that Eldric could help her, because she knows his love is one that is true and nurturing like the love she remembers from her father.
Quote #9
"I love a person for communion, communion with wine and coats and help and trust--even if that person feels he's doing all the trust and gets grumpy. […] I love it that I make him laugh—"
There are no end to the things I might say. I feel my heart unfolding. I've felt that unfolding before, but I haven't let it be real. (32.247-249)
Briony doesn't expect to be able to return Eldric's love, let alone describe all of the things she loves about him in detail. Once she starts though, she is unable to stop listing all of the things she loves about him. Aw…