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How big are souls anyway?" asked Coraline. The other mother sat down at the kitchen table and leaned against the back wall, saying nothing. She picked at her teeth with a long crimson-varnished fingernail, then she tapped the finger, gently, tap-tap-tap against the polished black surface of her black button eyes.
Neil Gaiman
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects on the nature of souls and existence through a poignant exchange between characters.

In this excerpt from Neil Gaiman's work, there is an exploration of identity and the essence of one's being, represented through the metaphor of souls. The dialogue between Coraline and the other mother hints at deeper questions about humanity, the significance of the soul, and what it truly means to be alive or to possess a self, emphasizing a sense of inquiry into the metaphysical aspects of existence.

Themes

SoulsExistenceIdentityPhilosophyMetaphysics

In practice

Example use cases

In a philosophical debate on the nature of consciousness and identity.

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