Her smile Quote by Henry James
“..her smile, which was her pretty feature, was never so pretty as when her sprightly phrase had a scratch lurking in it.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Portrait of a Lady, 1881
A woman's smile loses its charm when her lively speech is marred by a hidden flaw, revealing deeper character.
In simple terms: A smile fades when words hide a flaw.
Key Takeaway
Look beyond appearances.
Themes
beauty
communication
character
subtlety
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
literary
observational
When to use this quote
- literary analysis
- character study
- dialogue critique
Key Concepts
social perception
inner conflict
authenticity
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the hidden flaw suggest?
- How do words affect perception of beauty?
A Different Perspective
The flaw may be intentional for effect.
