---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Shape-changing and so on were all very…"
description: "\"“Shape-changing and so on were all very well in the past. It makes a vivid incident in a story, I grant you. But surely, Strange, you would not want to..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a42/susanna-clarke-1559_shape_shape-changing-and-so-on-were-all-very-w_1566262.jpg"
---

#  Shape-changing and so on were all very well in the past…

![“Shape-changing and so on were all very well in the past. It makes a vivid incident in a story, I grant you. But surely, Strange, you would not want to practise it? A gentleman cannot change his shape. A gentleman scorns to seem any thing other than what he is. You yourself would never wish to…” quote by Susanna Clarke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a42/susanna-clarke-1559_shape_shape-changing-and-so-on-were-all-very-w_1566262.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a42/susanna-clarke-1559_shape_shape-changing-and-so-on-were-all-very-w_1566262.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a42/susanna-clarke-1559_shape_shape-changing-and-so-on-were-all-very-w_1566262.jpg)

> ““Shape-changing and so on were all very well in the past. It makes a vivid incident in a story, I grant you. But surely, Strange, you would not want to practise it? A gentleman cannot change his shape. A gentleman scorns to seem any thing other than what he is. You yourself would never wish to appear in the character of a pastry-cook or a lamplighter …””

[Susanna Clarke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/susanna-clarke/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A gentleman should remain authentic, not assume false identities for convenience or entertainment.

**In simple terms:** Stay true to yourself.

Key Takeaway

Avoid pretentious role‑playing.

Themes

authenticity integrity identity

Mood

reflective serious

Type

moral philosophical

When to use this quote

- professional settings
- social gatherings
- online personas

Key Concepts

social expectation self‑presentation

Questions to Reflect On

- Do you ever hide your true self?
- When is it acceptable to adopt a role?

A Different Perspective

Authenticity may limit creative expression.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

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## More by Susanna Clarke

> [you must learn to live as I do - in the face of constant criticism, opposition and censure. That, sir, is the English way.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/susanna-clarke/you-must-learn-to-live-as-i-do-in-the-face-of-constant-criticism/)

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> [“Can a magician kill a man by magic?” Lord Wellington asked Strange. Strange frowned. He seemed to dislike the question. “I suppose a magician…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/susanna-clarke/can-a-magician-kill-a-man-by-magic-lord-wellington-asked-strange/)

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[Explore all 228 Susanna Clarke quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/susanna-clarke/)

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