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About this quote

What does it mean?
Borrow claims there is an indescribable facial trait that identifies an Englishman.
In plain terms
There is a specific look that gives away an Englishman.
What can you take from it?
National identity may reveal itself in subtle physical traits.

Where it applies

  • observing cultural traits
  • discussing identity

Putting it to work

  • notice physical stereotypes
  • question national markers

Questions to consider

  • Can nationality be seen?
  • Are stereotypes ever accurate?

Another view

The claim relies on subjective and potentially biased observation.

More from George Borrow

  1. The author of Amelia, the most singular genius which their island ever produced, whose works it has long been the fashion to abuse in public and to read in sec…

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  2. Sherry...a silly, sickly compound, the use of which will transform a nation, however bold and warlike by nature, into a race of sketchers, scribblers, and puns…

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  3. There are no countries in the world less known by the British than these selfsame British Islands, or where more strange things are every day occurring.

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