Embracing a jointed wooden image

[Faraz Ahmed]

"To embrace her was like embracing a jointed wooden image"

Can someone please elaborate on that? and why jointed wooden image ?

[Angela]

I'm trying to recall. I'm certain this must be when Winston is speaking of his wife and not Julia--am I correct?

Right off, going on my assumption it's the wife, I'm assuming it has something to do with her being so void of life.

I will consider more and see if I have a better response.

[Brendan]

I think what he's going for is that the woman is stiff and unfamiliar, kind of hugging a carved image with no personality behind it. I'm not sure, it's been a little while.

[Ted]

Haven't read this since high school. What's the context Faraz?

[Faraz Ahmed]

Ted wrote: "Haven't read this since high school. What's the context Faraz?"

here is the excerpt from that paragraph:
As soon as he touched her she seemed to wince and stiffen. To embrace her was like embracing a jointed wooden image. And what was strange was that even when she was clasping him against her he had the feeling that she was simultaneously pushing him away with all her strength. The rigidity of her muscles managed to convey that impression. She would lie there with shut eyes, neither resisting nor co-operating but submitting."

Brendan wrote: "I think what he's going for is that the woman is stiff and unfamiliar, kind of hugging a carved image with no personality behind it. I'm not sure, it's been a little while."

Yes, this actually makes a lot of sense. Thanks.

Angela wrote: "I'm trying to recall. I'm certain this must be when Winston is speaking of his wife and not Julia--am I correct?

Right off, going on my assumption it's the wife, I'm assuming it has something t..."

Yes, he is describing Katherine here.

[Omar]

Evokes Picasso

Les Demoiselles d'Avignon anyone?