Skip to content

Faces Quote by Elizabeth Gaskell

“He is my first olive: let me make a face while I swallow it.” quote by Elizabeth Gaskell
Download Open image
“He is my first olive: let me make a face while I swallow it.”

Elizabeth Gaskell

About This Quote

Source Novel: North and South, 1854

The metaphor likens a lover to an olive, suggesting a bittersweet, perhaps painful, intimacy.

In simple terms: Lover compared to olive, implying complex taste.

Key Takeaway

Recognize both pleasure and pain in love.

Themes

love metaphor intimacy

Mood

thoughtful poetic introspective

Type

literary romantic

When to use this quote

  • romantic relationships
  • literary analysis
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

sensory imagery symbolism emotional nuance

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the olive symbolize for you?
  • How do you balance pleasure and discomfort?
A Different Perspective

Romantic love can be both nourishing and irritating.

3.7 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Elizabeth Gaskell

Explore all 330 Elizabeth Gaskell quotes

More Faces quotes

Browse all 13,128 Faces quotes