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She's got those big black eyes with plenty shiny white in them that makes them shine like brand new money and she knows what God gave women eyelashes for, too. Her hair is not what you might call straight. It's negro hair, but it's got a kind of white flavor. Like the piece of string out of a ham. It's not ham at all, but it's been around ham and got the flavor.
Zora Neale Hurston
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of a woman, appreciating her physical features through vivid imagery.

In this quote, Zora Neale Hurston describes a woman's striking features using imaginative and culturally rich metaphors. The comparison of her eyes to 'brand new money' suggests not only their visual appeal but also the value and allure they represent. Additionally, her hair is portrayed as having a distinct quality, reflecting both cultural identity and individuality. This artistic expression highlights the complexities of beauty, identity, and the appreciation of diversity.

Themes

BeautyIdentityImageryAppreciationDiversity

In practice

Example use cases

This quote is perfect for a poetry reading discussing beauty in different cultural contexts.

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It seems that fighting is a game where everybody is the loser.
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From barren brown stems to glistening leaf-buds; from the leaf-buds to snowy virginity of bloom…It was like a flute song forgotten in another existence and remembered again. What? How? Why? This singing she heard that had nothing to do with her ears. The rose of the world was breathing out smell. It followed her through all her waking moments and caressed her in her sleep.
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Someone is always at my elbow reminding me that I am the granddaughter of slaves. It fails to register depression with me.
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Don't you realize that the sea is the home of water? All water is off on a journey unless it's in the sea, and it's homesick, and bound to make its way home someday.
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Two things everybody's got tuh do fuh theyselves. They got tuh go tuh God, and they got tuh find out about livin' fuh theyselves.
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