Admission Quote by Elizabeth Gaskell
“He had tenderness in his heart — ‘a soft place,’ as Nicholas Higgins called it; but he had some pride in concealing it; he kept it very sacred and safe, and was jealous of every circumstance that tried to gain admission. But if he dreaded exposure of his tenderness, he was equally desirous that all men should recognize his justice; and he felt that he had been unjust, in giving so scornful a hearing to anyone who had waited, with humble patience, for five hours, to speak to him.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell, 1854
A man hides his deep kindness behind pride, fearing vulnerability while yearning for others to see his fairness.
In simple terms: He protects his tenderness but wants his justice recognized.
Key Takeaway
Balance openness with self‑respect.
Themes
pride
vulnerability
justice
self‑protection
Mood
reflective
conflicted
Type
literary
character study
When to use this quote
- leadership
- personal relationships
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
human nature
social perception
emotional concealment
Questions to Reflect On
- How does pride affect your willingness to show kindness?
- What does true justice mean to you?
A Different Perspective
His fear of exposure may prevent authentic connections.
