Both Uses of
carnal
in
A Prayer for Owen Meany
- Today, the fact that President Kennedy enjoyed carnal knowledge of Marilyn Monroe and "countless others"—even during his presidency—seems only moderately improper, and even stylish, in comparison to the willful secrecy and deception, and the unlawful policies, so broadly practiced by the entire Reagan administration.†
p. 375.9
- And the visual accompaniment is a mystifying blend of contemporary, carnal encounters with unidentified young boys intercut with black-and-white, documentary footage from the Vietnam War.†
p. 521.7 *
Definitions:
-
(1)
(carnal) of or relating to the body or flesh (in contrast to the spirit) -- especially sexual desires or feelings
-
(2)
(meaning too rare to warrant focus) meaning too rare to warrant focus:
Carnal knowledge is a common expression referencing experience with sexual intercourse.