---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: They snickered behind her back in tones…"
description: "\"“They snickered behind her back in tones that sent up prickly hedges all around their tight huddles of lace dresses and ribboned curls.”\" — Catherynne ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5e5/catherynne-m-valente-375_snickered_they-snickered-behind-her-back-in-tones_2504205.png"
---

#  They snickered behind her back in tones that sent up…

![“They snickered behind her back in tones that sent up prickly hedges all around their tight huddles of lace dresses and ribboned curls.” quote by Catherynne M. Valente](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5e5/catherynne-m-valente-375_snickered_they-snickered-behind-her-back-in-tones_2504205.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5e5/catherynne-m-valente-375_snickered_they-snickered-behind-her-back-in-tones_2504205.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5e5/catherynne-m-valente-375_snickered_they-snickered-behind-her-back-in-tones_2504205.png)

> ““They snickered behind her back in tones that sent up prickly hedges all around their tight huddles of lace dresses and ribboned curls.””

[Catherynne M. Valente](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/catherynne-m-valente/)

## About This Quote

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

The sentence paints a vivid, hostile social scene where whispers become sharp, physical barriers, highlighting exclusion and cruelty.

**In simple terms:** Harsh whispers create emotional barriers.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how gossip can harm.

Themes

literature social dynamics exclusion gossip visual imagery

Mood

tension melancholy vivid

Type

narrative descriptive

When to use this quote

- creative writing
- character development
- social commentary
- psychology
- fashion critique

Key Concepts

social pressure bullying fashion body language

Questions to Reflect On

- What impact do whispered judgments have on group cohesion?
- How can one counteract invisible social barriers?

A Different Perspective

Gossip can physically and emotionally wound.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

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Browse all 8 Snickered quotes

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