As [Norrell] watched she was seized by a fit of coughing…
![“As [Norrell] watched she was seized by a fit of coughing that continued for some moments, and during that time Sir Walter appeared most uncomfortable. He did not look at the young woman (though he looked everywhere else in the room). He picked up a gilt ornament from a little table by his side…” quote by Susanna Clarke](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/daa/susanna-clarke-1559_humor_as-norrell-watched-she-was-seized-by-a-f_2892521.jpg)
““As [Norrell] watched she was seized by a fit of coughing that continued for some moments, and during that time Sir Walter appeared most uncomfortable. He did not look at the young woman (though he looked everywhere else in the room). He picked up a gilt ornament from a little table by his side, turned it over, looked at its underneath, put it down again. Finally he coughed –a brief clearing of the throat as though to suggest that everyone coughed –coughing was the most natural thing in the world -coughing could never, under any circumstances, be cause for alarm.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A character’s coughing distracts and masks deeper tension, showing how mundane actions can hide true motives.
In simple terms: Coughing hides real feelings.
Key Takeaway
Read between the lines.
Themes
deception
social cues
tension
Mood
suspenseful
intriguing
Type
literary
analytical
When to use this quote
- dinner parties
- political meetings
- courtroom dramas
Key Concepts
psychology
body language
Questions to Reflect On
- What might the cough reveal about the character?
- When do we misinterpret simple actions?
A Different Perspective
Coughing may also be genuine, not just a cover.