Skip to content

With a condescending grin he offered his hand, hardly…

“With a condescending grin he offered his hand, hardly bothering to sit up. I grasped it only because it provided mewith the curious sensation of Narcissus fooling Nemesis by helping his image out of the brook.” quote by Vladimir Nabokov
Download Open image
“With a condescending grin he offered his hand, hardly bothering to sit up. I grasped it only because it provided mewith the curious sensation of Narcissus fooling Nemesis by helping his image out of the brook.”

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.

A condescending gesture is accepted for its symbolic value, likened to Narcissus helping Nemesis, showing vanity and self‑image concerns.

In simple terms: Accepting a patronizing offer for its symbolic meaning.

Key Takeaway

Be aware of vanity in interactions.

Themes

vanity symbolism power dynamics mythology self‑image

Mood

introspective ironic literary

Type

literary philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • social gatherings
  • artistic collaborations
  • political negotiations
  • personal encounters
  • networking events

Key Concepts

literature mythic allegory psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What symbolic gestures do you accept?
  • How does myth inform your view of power?
A Different Perspective

Risk of reinforcing ego‑centric behavior.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Vladimir Nabokov

Explore all 883 Vladimir Nabokov quotes

More Things happen for a reason quotes

Browse all 2,607 Things happen for a reason quotes