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Appearance Quote by Robert Louis Stevenson

“He is not easy to describe. There is something wrong with his appearance; something displeasing, something downright detestable. I never saw a man I so disliked, and yet I scarce know why. He must be deformed somewhere; he gives a strong feeling of deformity, although I couldn’t specify the point…” quote by Robert Louis Stevenson
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“He is not easy to describe. There is something wrong with his appearance; something displeasing, something downright detestable. I never saw a man I so disliked, and yet I scarce know why. He must be deformed somewhere; he gives a strong feeling of deformity, although I couldn’t specify the point. He’s an extraordinary-looking man, and yet I really can name nothing out of the way. No sir; I can make no hand of it; I can’t describe him. And it’s not want of memory; for I declare I can see him this moment.”

Robert Louis Stevenson

About This Quote

Source Novel: Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, 1886

The narrator struggles to articulate an instinctual revulsion toward a man's appearance, highlighting the difficulty of describing vague, unsettling feelings.

In simple terms: He feels strong dislike without knowing why.

Key Takeaway

Acknowledge vague discomfort and seek deeper understanding.

Themes

disgust uncertainty appearance psychology

Mood

uneasy curious reflective

Type

analytical observational

When to use this quote

  • first impressions
  • social interactions
  • character analysis
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

aesthetic judgment subconscious bias emotional perception

Questions to Reflect On

  • What specific cues trigger your aversion?
  • How might you explore the source of this feeling?
A Different Perspective

The description may be influenced by personal prejudice rather than objective observation.

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