“Nemours had long ardently wished for her picture. He saw now an opportunity of getting this treasure into his possession: and as there were many persons at that time present, he knew that Madame de Cleves only would suspect him particularly for having taken it. The scheme was no sooner formed in his mind, then it was determined upon: It was too delightful not to be pursued; no difficulties were allowed to interfere; that very instant was most favourable; the Prince of Cleves was not then in the room: His lady and the Dauphiness were deeply engaged in conversation. He approached the table and stood with his back to them; looking round, he saw the rest of the company variously engaged, and hesitated not a moment to deposit in his bosom his precious theft. Turning hastily to Madame de Cleves, he soon perceived by the crimson in her cheeks, that he had not been unnoticed by her.”
— The Princess of Cleves by Madame de La Fayette
Technique
In The Princess of Cleves, Madame de La Fayette demonstrates how body language can be used to show emotion and tell a story.
The above passage is a combination of body language and minimal action that hints at the complicated dynamics of love. When a miniature portrait of the princess is placed on the table, the Duc of Nemours sees an opportunity to have a piece of the Princess of Cleves, whom he’s smitten by. He can’t ask for the portrait as it would be scandalous because they each have partners, so he surveys the room to check that neither of their partners is around and then steals the portrait. Notably, two things happen:
- He places the stolen portrait in his bosom, which is symbolically near his heart
- She sees him and blushes
The princess blushing is the key body language in this passage. It’s a simple and natural reaction that would be overlooked by inexperienced writers in favor of a grand action, yet it perfectly captures the romantic entanglement of the two characters. The princess recognizes the Duc’s love for her by his action, yet she can’t acknowledge it because it would be socially unacceptable; the only acceptable reaction is through her body language because she would otherwise draw attention to their situation.
Use
- Hint at the minimal and relatable reaction that body language expresses in specific situations. For example, hint at romance in the bedroom through the rising and falling of the chest during heavy breathing. That body language will help readers complete the image with their imagination rather than reading excessive details about the headboard, the body positioning, the wrinkled sheets, and so on.
The Periplous 