The Lifted Veil

“I was in a state of tremor, partly at the vague idea that I was the object of reprobation, partly in the agitation of my first hatred—hatred of this big, spectacled man, who pulled my head about as if he wanted to buy and cheapen it.”

Latimer’s evaluation by the phrenologist Mr. Letherall prompts his immediate resentment, as Mr. Letherall’s analysis of the shape of Latimer’s skull speaks directly to the fears that Latimer has concerning his father’s control over his life. Following this evaluation, Latimer is forced to undertake a course of study that opposes his natural interests in the arts and humanities.

“I did not know why it ran; I had perfect confidence that there were good reasons for what was so very beautiful.”

As Latimer recounts his struggle with a scientific education, he makes this statement about not caring to know the physics behind why a river runs downhill. Latimer is more interested in the poetics of the river and its natural beauty than understanding the forces of gravity his tutors attempt to teach him.

“You will think, perhaps, that I must have been a poet, from this early sensibility to Nature. But my lot was not so happy as that.”

Though Latimer displays all the characteristics of a sensitive, idealistic, insightful poet, he is not able to compose poetic or prose works himself. Rather, he can only read them and appreciate their beauty. This quote reflects Latimer’s desire to become one of the poets he admires—a wish that comes true in a twisted way when he develops the omniscience of a writer.