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I can’t bear the smell of cigars, can you?” said Lady…

“I can’t bear the smell of cigars, can you?” said Lady Partridge. “Lionel hates it too,” murmured Rachel. As did Nick, to whom the dry lavatorial stench of cigars signified the inexplicable confidence of other men’s tastes and habits, and their readiness to impose them on their fellows.” quote by Alan Hollinghurst
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““I can’t bear the smell of cigars, can you?” said Lady Partridge. “Lionel hates it too,” murmured Rachel. As did Nick, to whom the dry lavatorial stench of cigars signified the inexplicable confidence of other men’s tastes and habits, and their readiness to impose them on their fellows.””

Alan Hollinghurst

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Cigarette odor symbolizes masculine confidence and the imposition of habits, revealing social dynamics and personal aversions.

In simple terms: Smell reflects power.

Key Takeaway

Question social symbols.

Themes

culture habits gender

Mood

observational thoughtful

Type

literary analytical

When to use this quote

  • social critique
  • character study
  • sensory marketing
  • psychology

Key Concepts

anthropology literature

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do certain smells evoke status?
  • How do habits influence identity?
A Different Perspective

Not everyone shares the same triggers.

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