“But we no more choose our passions than our features or complexion.”
The novel tries to portray sexuality as a facet of human nature rather than a vice that should be resisted. Throughout that narrative Fanny attempts to justify her sexual escapades and adventures and that they should not be viewed in a bad light. The central theme of the story being that the inherent wants that humans harbor in regards to sexual desires is perfectly normal. The narrative aims to de-stigmatize sexual fetishes so as the reader to be unbiased to them. Hence the statement offers this perspective in that aspects of sexuality are natural akin to any other human features.
“I had now totally taken in love's true arrow from the point up to the feather...”
The assertion stresses how deeply Fanny has completely fallen in love for the first time and shares the sentiment. Fanny’s first love is Charles who opens up her world in regard to love and affection. Through this true love she manages to share it with others all through her life with all the men she gets involved with. Love plays a major role in how Fanny views sex and pleasure thus dictating how she also engages with her partners.
“…and measured me very rightly in her manner of whistling to me, so as to make me pleased with my cage, and blind to the wires.”
Initially, Fanny feels trapped in this world of prostitution, as she was not yet prepared to sell her body for sex. Mrs. Brown ‘hunts’ girls like Fanny for prostitution; however, she did not inform her that she was employing her in a brothel. The quote highlights how the mistress, Mrs. Brown, managed to convince the women to stay in her brothel despite their skepticism. Thus, Fanny knew she was trapped in the situation but at the same time felt pleased with the opportunity that has been given to her.
