Skip to content

You know that I love you." And despite herself, Coraline…

“You know that I love you." And despite herself, Coraline nodded. 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 knew that the other mother loved her as a possession, nothing more…” quote by Neil Gaiman
Download Open image
“You know that I love you." And despite herself, Coraline nodded. 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 knew that the other mother loved her as 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.

A mother’s love can be possessive, treating a child like an object rather than a person.

In simple terms: Love can become controlling and objectifying.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and set boundaries against possessive affection.

Themes

love possession family

Mood

cautionary emotional

Type

literary psychological

When to use this quote

  • parent‑child relationships
  • toxic love
  • personal autonomy

Key Concepts

attachment control objectification

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you see signs of possessive love in your life?
  • How can you protect your autonomy?
A Different Perspective

Not all love is healthy; some may be manipulative.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Neil Gaiman

Explore all 2,526 Neil Gaiman quotes

More Amusing quotes

Browse all 436 Amusing quotes