Can you imagine my astonishment, in turn, at learning that part of my own nature was female, and bird-formed, and beautiful?
Philip Pullman The Subtle Knife
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In the book "The Subtle Knife" by Philip Pullman, the protagonist experiences a profound realization about their identity. They discover that within themselves lies a female aspect that is both bird-like and beautiful. This revelation brings about a blend of astonishment and introspection, prompting them to reconsider their understanding of self and the complexities of gender. Pullman's narrative invites readers to explore the multifaceted nature of identity, blurring traditional boundaries.

This moment signifies not only personal growth but also highlights themes of transformation and acceptance. The character's journey reflects the broader human experience of grappling with internal diversity and the various elements that contribute to one's essence. Pullman's depiction encourages readers to embrace the beauty of their multifaceted identities and challenges them to think beyond conventional definitions.

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The Subtle Knife
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Other quotes in The Subtle Knife

Find the girl and the boy. Waste no more time.You must play the serpent.
Philip Pullman The Subtle Knife
Find the girl and the boy. Waste no more time.You must play the serpent.
Can you imagine my astonishment, in turn, at learning that part of my own nature was female, and bird-formed, and beautiful?
Philip Pullman The Subtle Knife
Can you imagine my astonishment, in turn, at learning that part of my own nature was female, and bird-formed, and beautiful?
whatever humanness he had left felt the strangest of pleasures: that of offering eager obedience to a stronger power that was wholly right.
Philip Pullman The Subtle Knife
whatever humanness he had left felt the strangest of pleasures: that of offering eager obedience to a stronger power that was wholly right.
nor that she saw them as human-formed only because her eyes expected to. If she were to perceive their true form, they would seem more like architecture than organism, like huge structures composed of intelligence and feeling.
Philip Pullman The Subtle Knife
nor that she saw them as human-formed only because her eyes expected to. If she were to perceive their true form, they would seem more like architecture than organism, like huge structures composed of intelligence and feeling.
Anything that was associated with human workmanship and human thought was surrounded by Shadows.…
Philip Pullman The Subtle Knife
Anything that was associated with human workmanship and human thought was surrounded by Shadows.…
The two dark figures of the bene elim has not moved. But they spoke:"You must come with us now. Lord Asriel needs you at once. The enemy's power is growing every minute. The shaman has told you what your task is. Follow us and help us win. Come with us. Come this way. Come now."And Will looked from them to Lyra's rucksack and back again, and he didn't hear a word they said.
Philip Pullman The Subtle Knife
The two dark figures of the bene elim has not moved. But they spoke:"You must come with us now. Lord Asriel needs you at once. The enemy's power is growing every minute. The shaman has told you what your task is. Follow us and help us win. Come with us. Come this way. Come now."And Will looked from them to Lyra's rucksack and back again, and he didn't hear a word they said.
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Edward Gorey Ascending Peculiarity:...
All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
For me the curse is a crutch, but the con is everything.
Holly Black White Cat
For me the curse is a crutch, but the con is everything.
I don't have anything against God. Far from it. But I don't understand Him. And I don't trust a lot of the people that go around claiming that they're working in His best interests.
Jim Butcher Grave Peril
I don't have anything against God. Far from it. But I don't understand Him. And I don't trust a lot of the people that go around claiming that they're working in His best interests.
Now that you're an adult, you might still feel a pang of guilt when you decline a dinner invitation in favor of a good book. Or maybe you like to eat alone in restaurants and could do without the pitying looks from fellow diners. Or you're told that you're "in your head too much," a phrase that's often deployed against the quiet and cerebral. Of course, there's another word for such people: thinkers.
Susan Cain Quiet: The Power of...
Now that you're an adult, you might still feel a pang of guilt when you decline a dinner invitation in favor of a good book. Or maybe you like to eat alone in restaurants and could do without the pitying looks from fellow diners. Or you're told that you're "in your head too much," a phrase that's often deployed against the quiet and cerebral. Of course, there's another word for such people: thinkers.
I found Esau's field guide at the bottom of my pack. Taking a candle into the bedroom, I read his book until my eyes grew heavy. From his vast notes, it seemed that almost every plant and tree in the jungle had a reason for existing. I caught myself wishing there was a page in his guide that had my picture on it with the reason for my existence written underneath in Esau's neat hand.
Maria V. Snyder Magic Study
I found Esau's field guide at the bottom of my pack. Taking a candle into the bedroom, I read his book until my eyes grew heavy. From his vast notes, it seemed that almost every plant and tree in the jungle had a reason for existing. I caught myself wishing there was a page in his guide that had my picture on it with the reason for my existence written underneath in Esau's neat hand.
Here's a nifty solution: Each couple that marries should take on an entirely new surname, chosen however they want as long as both agree to it, so that a day after the wedding, both husband and wife can hold hands and joyfully journey off to the municipal offices to change their passports, driver's licenses, signatures, initials, bank accounts, etc.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Dear Ijeawele, or A...
Here's a nifty solution: Each couple that marries should take on an entirely new surname, chosen however they want as long as both agree to it, so that a day after the wedding, both husband and wife can hold hands and joyfully journey off to the municipal offices to change their passports, driver's licenses, signatures, initials, bank accounts, etc.
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