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His reversed body gracefully curved, his brown legs…

“His reversed body gracefully curved, his brown legs hoisted like a Tarentine sail, his joined ankles tacking, Vangripped with splayed hands the brow of gravity, and moved to and fro, veering and sidestepping, opening his mouth the wrong way, and blinking in the odd bilboquet fashion peculiar to…” quote by Vladimir Nabokov
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“His reversed body gracefully curved, his brown legs hoisted like a Tarentine sail, his joined ankles tacking, Vangripped with splayed hands the brow of gravity, and moved to and fro, veering and sidestepping, opening his mouth the wrong way, and blinking in the odd bilboquet fashion peculiar to eyelids in his abnormal position. Even more extraordinary than the variety and velocity of the movements he made in imitation of animal hind legs was the effortlessness of his stance.”

Vladimir Nabokov

About This Quote

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

Describes a character’s unique physicality and effortless movement, highlighting individuality.

In simple terms: Physical uniqueness is notable.

Key Takeaway

Appreciate distinct traits.

Themes

individuality physicality grace

Mood

poetic observational

Type

literary descriptive

When to use this quote

  • art criticism
  • literary analysis
  • character study

Key Concepts

aesthetic perception human variation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does physical form reveal about self?
  • How do we balance appearance and essence?
A Different Perspective

Such focus may overlook inner qualities.

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