"My words in her mind: cold polished stones sinking through a quagmire"

In this quote, James Joyce uses vibrant images to describe the impact of his words on the mind of another individual. The phrase "cold sleek stones" suggests a sense of solidity and sharpness, while "sinking through a quagmire" evokes a feeling of heaviness and difficulty. This might signify the weight and impact of the speaker's words on the listener's mind. Using the word "quagmire" also implies a sense of confusion or mayhem, more stressing the overwhelming effect of the words. Overall, this quote communicates the power and strength of language and how it can deeply impact and shape our thoughts and perceptions.