Meaning: The quote "What a couple. I'm consumed into ashes. And he's always raking up the ashes and setting them on fire again" by Agnes Smedley, a journalist, poet, and writer, encapsulates the tumultuous and consuming nature of a relationship. The imagery of being consumed into ashes evokes a sense of being overwhelmed and destroyed by the intensity of the connection. The act of raking up the ashes and setting them on fire again speaks to the cyclical and relentless nature of the relationship, where the emotions and conflicts are constantly reignited, perpetuating a cycle of destruction and renewal.

Agnes Smedley was an American journalist and writer known for her work in the early to mid-20th century. She was a passionate advocate for social and political causes, and her writing often reflected her personal experiences and observations of the world around her. Smedley's quote reflects her keen insight into the complexities of human relationships and the emotional dynamics that can consume individuals within them.

The metaphor of being consumed into ashes suggests a sense of being overwhelmed and engulfed by the intensity of the relationship. It conveys a feeling of being reduced to nothing, as if the emotional and psychological toll of the connection has left the individual feeling depleted and exhausted. The imagery of ashes also carries connotations of destruction and loss, further emphasizing the profound impact of the relationship on the speaker.

The line "And he's always raking up the ashes and setting them on fire again" illustrates the cyclical and tumultuous nature of the relationship. The partner's actions of raking up the ashes and reigniting them symbolize the perpetuation of conflict and emotional turmoil within the relationship. This perpetuation of emotional upheaval suggests a pattern of unresolved issues and recurring struggles that prevent the individuals from moving forward or finding peace.

Smedley's choice of words and imagery in this quote conveys a sense of emotional rawness and vulnerability. The use of vivid imagery and evocative language allows the reader to viscerally experience the emotional intensity and turbulence of the relationship. Smedley's skillful use of metaphor and symbolism enables her to capture the complex and often painful dynamics of human connection with striking clarity and emotional resonance.

Overall, Agnes Smedley's quote encapsulates the consuming and tumultuous nature of a relationship, portraying the emotional intensity and cyclical struggles that can define such connections. Through her insightful and evocative language, Smedley provides a poignant depiction of the emotional complexities and challenges inherent in intimate relationships, offering a powerful reflection on the human experience of love, conflict, and resilience.