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1900 Quote by Kate Morton

“Even when they were very small Eliza had known that Sammy needed her more than she needed him, even before he caught the fever and was nearly lost to them. Something in his manner left him vulnerable. Other children had known it when they were small, grown-ups knew it now. They sensed somehow that…” quote by Kate Morton
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““Even when they were very small Eliza had known that Sammy needed her more than she needed him, even before he caught the fever and was nearly lost to them. Something in his manner left him vulnerable. Other children had known it when they were small, grown-ups knew it now. They sensed somehow that he was not really one of them. And he wasn't, he was a changeling. Eliza knew all about changelings. She'd read about them in the book of fairy tales that had sat for a time in the rag and bottle shop. There'd been pictures, too. Fairies and sprites who looked just like Sammy, with his fine strawberry hair, long ribbony limbs and round blue eyes. The way Mother told it, something had set Sammy apart from other children ever since he was a babe: an innocence, a stillness. She used to say that while Eliza had screwed up her little red face and howled for a feeding, Sammy had never cried. He used to lie in his drawer, listening, as if to beautiful music floating on the breeze that no one but he could hear.””

Kate Morton

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Clockmaker's Daughter, 2019

Eliza perceives Sammy as an outsider, a changeling, reflecting deeper themes of otherness.

In simple terms: Eliza sees Sammy as different, a changeling.

Key Takeaway

Recognize hidden differences.

Themes

otherness identity empathy

Mood

empathetic melancholic

Type

literary reflective

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • education
  • social inclusion

Key Concepts

Fairy tale symbolism family dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we support children who feel different?
  • What role do stories play in understanding identity?
A Different Perspective

Labeling differences can alienate rather than help.

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