How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
They locked into a fearful embrace. Pain and terror took the place of desire. When their limbs touched, it seemed to them that they had fallen against burning coals. They gave a cry and pressed more tightly together, so as to leave no place between their bodies for the drowned man. Yet they could still feel Camille's shredded flesh, foully squeezed between them, freezing their skin in places, even while the rest of their bodies was burning. (23.5)
When Thérèse and Laurent finally attempt to have sex again, they imagine that Camille's body is between them. If these characters truly feel no remorse, then it's difficult to understand why the lovers can't get it on, now that Camille is out of the picture.
Quote #8
Thérèse's lips sought out Camille's bite on Laurent's stiff, swollen neck and she fixed her mouth on it with savage passion. Here was the open wound, once this was healed, the murderers could sleep easy. The young woman knew this, trying to cauterize the place with the fire of her kisses. But her lips burned and Laurent pushed her away harshly. (23.6)
In an attempt to arouse his former lust for her, Thérèse tries to kiss Laurent's scar. But the scar burns so hotly that they're both unable to touch each other at all anymore, let alone have sex.
Quote #9
However much they exhausted themselves, frightfully grasping one another, they cried out in pain, they burned and bruised each other, but they could not calm their shattered nerves. Every embrace served only to sharpen their disgust. Even as they were exchanging these dreadful kisses, they were prey to a variety of hallucinations, they imagined that the drowned man was pulling on their feet and violently shaking the bed. (23.7)
Thérèse and Laurent soon begin hallucinating that Camille is shaking their bed. Every night, as the couple tries to rekindle their passion, they only find, once more, that their embraces are mutually repulsive.