Skip to content

It was true: the other mother loved her. But she loved…

“It was true: the other mother loved her. But she loved Coraline as a miser loves money, or a dragon loves its gold. In the other mother's button eyes, Coraline knew that she was a possession, nothing more. A tolerated pet, whose behavior was no longer amusing.” quote by Neil Gaiman
Download Open image
““It was true: the other mother loved her. But she loved Coraline as a miser loves money, or a dragon loves its gold. In the other mother's button eyes, Coraline knew that she was a possession, nothing more. A tolerated pet, whose behavior was no longer amusing.””

Neil Gaiman

About This Quote

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

The other mother treats Coraline as a possession, showing love can be controlling and dehumanizing.

In simple terms: Love can become ownership and control.

Key Takeaway

Beware relationships that treat you as an object.

Themes

family control identity psychology fantasy

Mood

cautionary thoughtful

Type

literary psychological

When to use this quote

  • parenting styles
  • toxic relationships
  • self‑esteem
  • boundary setting

Key Concepts

Power dynamics parental love objectification self‑worth

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you recognize when love is controlling?
  • What boundaries protect personal identity?
A Different Perspective

Even caring intentions can become oppressive.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Neil Gaiman

Explore all 2,526 Neil Gaiman quotes

More Parenting quotes

Browse all 55,672 Parenting quotes