And when Hightower approaches, the smell of plump unwashed…
![“And when Hightower approaches, the smell of plump unwashed flesh and unfresh clothing--that odor of unfastidious sedentation, of static overflesh not often enough bathed--is well nigh overpowering. [...] It is the odor of goodness. Of course it would smell bad to us that are bad and sinful.” quote by William Faulkner](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/6a3/william-faulkner-306_hygiene_and-when-hightower-approaches-the-smell_2128915.jpg)
““And when Hightower approaches, the smell of plump unwashed flesh and unfresh clothing--that odor of unfastidious sedentation, of static overflesh not often enough bathed--is well nigh overpowering. [...] It is the odor of goodness. Of course it would smell bad to us that are bad and sinful.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage describes how the scent of unclean bodies and clothes is overwhelming, yet it is also the scent of goodness, implying that those who are sinful perceive it as foul while the pure see it as fragrant.
In simple terms: Bad people find the smell repulsive, good people find it pleasant.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how perception is shaped by moral character.
Themes
morality
perception
sensory experience
human nature
literature
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
literary
analytical
When to use this quote
- reading novels
- studying character development
- examining moral judgments
- writing descriptive prose
Key Concepts
symbolism
subjective reality
ethical relativism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your moral stance affect your perception of everyday sensations?
- Can you think of a time when something unpleasant seemed beautiful to you?
A Different Perspective
The vivid description may be overly ornate, making the core idea less accessible to some readers.