The Bloody Chamber - Key Quotes

"she was the child of his desire and the Countess hated her"

• Suggests the child is a fantasy realised.
• Creates ambiguity: does desire refer to her creation at the Count's wish? Or does it suggest his sexual desire? The Countess's reaction suggests the latter.

"The count picked up the rose, bowed and handed it to his wife"

• Suggest an empty gesture, attempting forgiveness and reconciliation.
• Could also suggest the Count intends the Countess to die as the child did.