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The astounding thing about Paula is that she looks like…

“The astounding thing about Paula is that she looks like Tess of the D´Urbervilles, and she sounds like Tess of the D´Urbervilles, and she thinks like Tess of the D´Urbervilles and yet she is so different from Tess of the D´Urbervilles. I expect she comes from a different part of Dorset.” quote by Jane Gardam
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““The astounding thing about Paula is that she looks like Tess of the D´Urbervilles, and she sounds like Tess of the D´Urbervilles, and she thinks like Tess of the D´Urbervilles and yet she is so different from Tess of the D´Urbervilles. I expect she comes from a different part of Dorset.””

Jane Gardam

About This Quote

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

Paula resembles the literary character Tess in appearance, voice, and thought, yet she is fundamentally different, suggesting regional influences shape identity.

In simple terms: Paula looks and thinks like Tess but is different.

Key Takeaway

Acknowledge how background shapes individuality.

Themes

identity literature regional influence

Mood

analytical reflective

Type

literary psychological

When to use this quote

  • literary criticism
  • personal identity
  • regional stereotypes
  • character development

Key Concepts

character analysis cultural geography

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does environment affect personal identity?
  • What other factors differentiate similar individuals?
A Different Perspective

Risk of reducing a person to a literary comparison.

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