Quote by Neil Gaiman
He shivered. His coat was thin, and it was obvious he would not get his kiss, which he found puzzling. The manly heroes of the penny dreadfuls and shilling novels never had these problems getting kissed.
Summary
In this quote, the protagonist feels a sense of disappointment and confusion as he shivers, realizing that he will not receive a kiss. The comparison he makes to the "manly heroes" of adventure stories illustrates his perception that they effortlessly receive affection, whereas he struggles to do so. This highlights a disconnect between his ideals shaped by fictional narratives and the realities of his own experiences. The quote suggests that he is seeking validation and intimacy but feels inadequate based on his failure to live up to societal expectations of masculinity.
By Neil Gaiman