Locker room Quote by Ellery Queen
““The place smelled male, not the metal-and-soap maleness of a locker room nor the malt-and-sawdust maleness of an old-time corner saloon, but the leather-and-oiled-wood maleness of a city club, as finished and self-consistent as the ash of a fine cigar. At sight of the skirted figure stalking him, the sole visible attendant took refuge behind a showcase; surely a giraffe, were it a male one, would have startled him less.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Mystery of the Club, 1932
The description emphasizes a refined, masculine atmosphere distinct from typical locker‑room or saloon vibes.
In simple terms: A city club feels uniquely masculine.
Key Takeaway
Notice subtle environmental cues.
Themes
atmosphere
masculinity
setting
literary description
Mood
introspective
analytical
Type
descriptive
literary
When to use this quote
- detective work
- character observation
- scene setting
Key Concepts
Gendered space
sensory detail
Questions to Reflect On
- How does setting shape character perception?
- What alternatives could convey masculinity?
A Different Perspective
Such emphasis may reinforce gender stereotypes.
