Gaze Quote by Kristin Cashore
““You’ve arrived!” Katsa grinned up at him. Then she looked closer—stood on her toes, for he was so very tall. She grabbed a handful of his hair. “Raff, what’ve you done to yourself? Your hair is positively blue.” “I’ve been trying a new remedy for headache,” he said, “to be massaged into the scalp. Yesterday I thought I felt a headache coming on, so I tried it. Apparently it turns fair hair blue.” She smiled. “Did it cure the headache?” “Well, if I had a headache, then it did, but I’m not convinced I had one to begin with. Do you have a headache?” he asked, hopefully. “Your hair’s so dark; it wouldn’t turn nearly as blue.” “I don’t. I never do. What does the king think of your hair?” Raffin smirked. “He’s not speaking to me. He says it’s appalling behavior for the son of the king. Until my hair is normal again I’m not his son.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Graceling by Kristin Cashore, 2008
A character uses a humorous excuse for a bizarre physical change, revealing insecurity and the desire for acceptance from a loved one.
In simple terms: Raff hides his odd hair color with a joke about headaches.
Key Takeaway
Use humor to deflect personal insecurity.
Themes
insecurity
humor
identity
Mood
playful
anxious
Type
conversational
humorous
When to use this quote
- courtship
- royal duties
- personal appearance
- self‑image
Key Concepts
self‑acceptance
social pressure
family expectations
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we hide flaws with humor?
- What does acceptance look like without jokes?
A Different Perspective
The joke may mask deeper self‑doubt, preventing genuine connection.
