The man was of fine figure, swarthy, and stern in aspect…
““The man was of fine figure, swarthy, and stern in aspect; and he showed in profile a facial angle so slightly inclined as to be almost perpendicular. He wore a short jacket of brown corduroy, newer than the remainder of his suit, which was a fustian waistcoat with white horn buttons, breeches of the same, tanned leggings, and a straw hat overlaid with black glazed canvas. At his back he carried by a looped strap a rush basket, from which protruded at one end the crutch of a hay-knife, a wimble for hay-bonds being also visible in the aperture. His measured, springless walk was the walk of the skilled countryman as distinct from the desultory shamble of the general labourer; while in the turn and plant of each foot there was, further, a dogged and cynical indifference personal to himself, showing its presence even in the regularly interchanging fustian folds, now in the left leg, now in the right, as he paced along.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A detailed physical description reveals the character’s rugged, practical nature and his solitary, indifferent demeanor as a skilled laborer.
In simple terms: His appearance shows a tough, solitary worker.
Key Takeaway
Notice the pride in skilled work.
Themes
character
description
solitude
indifference
rural life
Mood
reflective
observational
critical
Type
literary
character study
When to use this quote
- rural work
- farm tasks
- personal observation
- social hierarchy
Key Concepts
social class
identity
labor
individualism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does his attire reflect his role?
- What does his walk say about his character?
A Different Perspective
The focus on appearance may overlook inner motivations.