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Gaze Quote by Eva Ibbotson

“As for the little banshees, when they returned home they, too, were satisfied. “I wouldn’t mind marrying him,” said the eldest, Hope. “I wouldn’t either,” said Faith. “Nor me,” said Charity. “I w-wouldn’t…mind, too.” Then they sighed. “Mother will tell us which one it’s going to be,” said Hope…” quote by Eva Ibbotson
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““As for the little banshees, when they returned home they, too, were satisfied. “I wouldn’t mind marrying him,” said the eldest, Hope. “I wouldn’t either,” said Faith. “Nor me,” said Charity. “I w-wouldn’t…mind, too.” Then they sighed. “Mother will tell us which one it’s going to be,” said Hope. “As long as it’s not Prudence.” Prudence was still in nappies and far too small to be in the running, but she had curls and a dimple and her sisters hated her. As for Clovis, he lay freshly bathed in a linen nightshirt between cool and spotless sheets. No mosquito netting, no flypaper, no beetles…yes, he would definitely hold out for at least a week. He had promised Finn and he would do it. But Sir Aubrey was not yet in bed. He had limped up to the Picture Gallery at the top of the house and stood for a long time looking at the portrait of Alwin Taverner in his naval uniform. Really, the likeness was extraordinary! The nose, the eyes, the mouth, the way his hair fell over his forehead--all of it was the same as in the boy who had come today. It happened sometimes that a likeness skipped a few generations and then showed up stronger than ever, thought Sir Aubrey. That was the amazing thing about The Blood.””

Eva Ibbotson

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Blood by Eva Ibbotson, 2000

Characters confront choices about marriage, family expectations, and identity, while a portrait reveals a haunting familial resemblance.

In simple terms: People face pressure to choose partners and grapple with family legacies.

Key Takeaway

Recognize personal agency amid external expectations.

Themes

family identity choice legacy love

Mood

reflective hopeful nostalgic

Type

literary conversational character‑driven

When to use this quote

  • marriage negotiations
  • family discussions
  • self‑reflection
  • heritage research

Key Concepts

genetics resemblance social pressure

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do family expectations shape your decisions?
  • What role does ancestry play in your identity?
A Different Perspective

The narrative may romanticize pressure, overlooking individual autonomy.

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