The American Appearances Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

Newman's comrade, whose name was Babcock, was a young Unitarian minister; a small, spare, neatly-attired man, with a strikingly candid physiognomy. (5.3)

In Newman's social circle, everyone's personality seems to be influenced by their outward appearance. Hey, that doesn't sound all that different from most social circles today. The more things change…

Quote #8

She looks like a statue which had failed as stone, resigned itself to its grave defects, and come to life as flesh and blood, to wear white capes and long trains. (6.4)

Ouch. Valentin's describing his sister, which makes this vaguely complimentary speech seem a bit harsher. But, to be fair, no one really wants to be compared to a statue…except when it comes to praising rock-hard abs.

Quote #9

Her face could wear no look that could make it less beautiful, and he was sure beforehand that however she might take the proposal he had in reserve, she would not take it in scorn or in irony. (7.1)

Sounds like Newman is pretty confident that he won't get rejected, all based on the fact that Claire looks nice.