Nigel's six feet sprawled all over the place; his gestures were nervous and little uncouth; a lock of sandy coloured hair dropping over his forehead, and the deceptive naivete of his face in repose gave him a resemblance to an overgrown prep. schoolboy. His eyes were the same blue as his uncle's, but shortsighted and noncommittal. Yet there was an underlying similarity between the two. A latent, sardonic humor in their conversation, a friendliness and simple generosity in their smiles, and that impression of energy in reserve which is always given by those who possess an abundance of life directed towards consciously-realised aims.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The quote describes Nigel's awkward physical appearance and nervous demeanor, contrasting it with an inner reserve of energy and kindness shared with his uncle.
- In plain terms
- Nigel looks like a clumsy schoolboy but hides a warm and energetic personality inside.
- What can you take from it?
- Judging someone by their outward clumsiness can miss their inner strength and generosity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What does the narrator value in Nigel despite his awkwardness?
- How does physical description reveal inner traits?
Another view
The description relies heavily on physical stereotypes that may feel dated.
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