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We can't hear what they're saying, but that man
Is holding that woman in his arms. Your assignment
Is to deduce their thoughts from what they do.
They've left no apparent space between their bodies.
It could be called a close embrace, but notice:
Her arms are at her sides, her hands relaxed,
Her face impassive, while he's whispering
Something in her ear. His upper torso
Is tilted slightly forward. Hers is yielding,
But not in a way suggesting sweet surrender.
Is this a seduction scene? Is she being held
For questioning? Should she call a lawyer?
He's looking into her eyes now. How wide open
Would you say hers are? What does he see in them?
If he were to let her go, class, what would she do?
National Portrait Gallery
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The Civil War
President Obama reflects on what Lincoln means to him and to America, in an introduction to our special issue. Read more › |
The History of Thomas Edison
This Must Be the Place: Byun
Video Documentary: The Impact of a Principal
James Fallows on Obama's first term, Raymond Bonner on the death penalty, Christopher Hitchens on G.K. Chesterton, and more
Browse back issues of The Atlantic that have appeared on the Web. From September 1995 to the present, the archive is essentially complete, with the exception of a few articles, the online rights to which are held exclusively by the authors.
See All Back Issues: September 1995
February 13: Political Emotionalists and Neurotics; Mysteries of Providence
How the iPhone Is and Is Not Like a Chipotle Burrito
Salamanders, Ponytails, and Valentine's Day Drinking
Carla Bruni to Represent the Working Class
Why America Keeps Getting More Conservative
Should Building Taller Be Much, Much Easier?
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