Anticipation! It occurred to him that his anticipation was more pleasant to him than the experiencing

Anticipation! It occurred to him that his anticipation was more pleasant to him than the experiencing

In the world of Patricia Highsmith, anticipation plays a crucial role in the lives of her characters. Highsmith is known for her psychological thrillers and complex characters, many of whom are driven by their desires and obsessions. The quote “Anticipation! It occurred to him that his anticipation was more pleasant to him than the experiencing” perfectly encapsulates the themes of anticipation and desire that run through Highsmith’s work.

One of Highsmith’s most famous characters, Tom Ripley, is a prime example of someone who thrives on anticipation. In the novel “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” Ripley is a charming and manipulative sociopath who becomes obsessed with the idea of living a life of luxury and privilege. Throughout the novel, Ripley’s anticipation of achieving his goals drives him to commit increasingly heinous acts, all in the pursuit of his ultimate desires.

For Ripley, the thrill of anticipation is often more satisfying than the actual experience itself. He revels in the planning and scheming that goes into achieving his goals, finding pleasure in the anticipation of what is to come. This quote perfectly captures Ripley’s mindset, as he is constantly seeking out new experiences and challenges in order to satisfy his insatiable desires.

Highsmith’s exploration of anticipation goes beyond just Ripley, however. In many of her novels, anticipation plays a central role in driving the actions of her characters. Whether it is the anticipation of a forbidden love affair, the anticipation of committing a crime, or the anticipation of achieving a long-held goal, Highsmith’s characters are often consumed by their desires and the thrill of what is to come.

Overall, the quote “Anticipation! It occurred to him that his anticipation was more pleasant to him than the experiencing” perfectly captures the themes of desire, obsession, and anticipation that run through Patricia Highsmith’s work. Her characters are driven by their desires and the thrill of what is to come, finding pleasure in the anticipation of achieving their goals, no matter the cost.