“Coraline” is a brilliant work of children’s literature that captures timeless themes and morals. This is done through unforgettable quotes regarding bravery, imagination, family, independence, and quick-wittedness, all of which are major themes in “Coraline.” The quotes, which mainly come from Coraline’s interactions and Coraline’s reflections capture the essence of what Neil Gaiman is trying to say through “Coraline,” which is to be brave in the face of fears and to be careful what you wish for.
Bravery
”And he said that wasn’t brave of him, doing that, just standing there and being stung,” said Coraline to the cat. “It wasn’t brave because he wasn’t scared: it was the only thing he could do. But going back again to get his glasses, when he knew the wasps were there, when he was really scared. That was brave.”
Coraline to the Talking Cat about her father’s bravery, Chapter 5
One of the most dominant themes in the novella, “Coraline,” is bravery. Despite her fears and trepidations, Coraline marches forward to meet the Other Mother and her wicked ways. When Coraline sets off to rescue her parents, she recalls a story to the cat about how she and her father were ambushed by a swarm of wasps on a walk. Coraline’s father, unfortunately, dropped his glasses while running away from the swarm, and had to go back and collect them. This is when he tells Coraline that he is scared, but he would still brave the wasps. This, according to Coraline’s father, was true bravery.
Her father’s words inspired Coraline to face her fears head-on, which is why she returns to the parallel universe to rescue her parents from the Other Mother. Although she is incredibly frightened of the evil witch, she decides to be brave to bring her parents back.
”You don’t frighten me,” said Coraline, although they did frighten her, very much. “I want my parents back.”
Coraline to the Other Mother and the Other Father, Chapter 5
Later in the novella, Coraline plucks up her courage and strikes a bargain with the Other Mother in order to rescue her parents. She tells the beldam that she will successfully find her parents and the souls of the ghost children in exchange for freedom. She also bravely offers herself up to the beldam if she happens to lose the game.
”What exactly are you offering?”
“Me,” said Coraline, and she gripped her knees under the table, to stop them from shaking. “If I lose I’ll stay here with you forever and I’ll let you love me. I’ll be a most dutiful daughter. I’ll eat your food and play Happy Families. And I’ll let you sew your buttons into my eyes.”
Coraline to the Other Mother as she tries to rescue her parents, Chapter 8
At this point in the story, Coraline bravely confronts the sinister witch to negotiate the release of her parents and the souls of the trapped ghost children. Coraline offers herself as a bargaining chip, stating that if she loses, she will stay with the Other Mother forever and allow her to replace her eyes with buttons.
This quote is significant as it encapsulates Coraline’s bravery and selflessness. By offering herself, she demonstrates immense courage and love for her parents. This moment is crucial for her character development, marking a shift from a curious, somewhat dissatisfied child to a determined and courageous heroine. The use of imagery, such as “sew your buttons into my eyes,” vividly illustrates the horror of her potential fate, emphasizing the dark, fairy-tale nature of the novella. This confrontation is especially important as it propels the plot toward its climax, heightening the tension and stakes of Coraline’s journey.
Imagination
”I was kidnapped by aliens,” said Coraline. “They came down from outer space with ray guns, but I fooled them by wearing a wig and laughing in a foreign accent, and I escaped.”
Coraline to her mother when they go shopping, Chapter 3
Coraline’s imaginative scenarios make for the most memorable quotes. Coraline has an extremely active imagination which she uses to amuse herself whenever she is bored. An example of this is seen in the above quote when she goes shopping with her mother and wanders off to examine a pair of Wellington boots. When she goes back to her mother, she decides to cook up a story about alien abductions, which is much more exciting than reality.
This quote highlights Coraline’s vivid imagination and her ability to entertain herself through creative storytelling. It reflects her adventurous spirit and hints at her desire for excitement in a mundane world. This imaginative tendency foreshadows her resilience and resourcefulness when facing real dangers later in the story. Additionally, it underscores the theme of escapism, showing how Coraline copes with her feelings of neglect and boredom by inventing thrilling narratives, which parallels her actual escape from the Other Mother’s clutches.
Family
”I’m going back for them because they are my parents. And if they noticed I was gone I’m sure they would do the same for me.”
Coraline to the Talking Cat when she discovers that her parents are kidnapped by the evil witch, Chapter 5
Family is extremely significant throughout the novella. In the beginning, Coraline is disappointed and dissatisfied with her parents for their lack of interest in her activities. She wishes for things to be different – a wish that ultimately manifests in the other universe. However, once Coraline’s parents are kidnapped by the Other Mother, she realizes how much she loves her real parents and she desperately wants them back. As a result, Coraline decides to set off on an adventure to rescue them. She finally understands the importance of family and decides to protect the sanctity of her own family.
”Whatever would I have done with your old parents? If they have left you, Coraline, it must be because they became bored of you, or tired. Now, I will never become bored of you, and I will never abandon you. You will always be safe here with me.”
The Other Mother to Coraline when Coraline confronts her about her kidnapped parents, Chapter 5
The Other Mother says the above words to manipulate Coraline by undermining her confidence in her real parents’ love and loyalty. This occurs after Coraline has discovered that her real parents are missing and the Other Mother is attempting to persuade Coraline to stay in the parallel universe.
The Other Mother says this to manipulate Coraline into doubting her real parents’ love and to entice her to stay in the parallel universe by promising perpetual attention and safety. This is a psychological tactic to weaken Coraline’s resolve and make her more susceptible to the Other Mother’s control.
Despite these words, Coraline continues to believe that her parents love her and want her. As she forays further into the depths of the other universe, Coraline begins to understand that the flaws and perceptions of her parents are what make them unique. She finally realizes that she does not want parents that are “perfect.” Instead, she only wants her parents because she loves and cares for them deeply. This is why Coraline does not fall for the lies and deception of the Other Mother, even when she is promised a happy and perfect life with her.
Independence
She could not wear her pajamas, dressing gown, and slippers during the day, she decided, even if it meant wearing the other Coraline’s clothes.
Coraline’s thoughts about how to dress herself in the parallel world, Chapter 6
At this point in the story, Coraline is in the parallel world created by the Other Mother. She is preparing to face the challenges and dangers in this alternate universe. The above thought illustrates Coraline’s practicality and growing sense of responsibility. It underscores her determination to approach her predicament with seriousness and readiness, reflecting her maturity and adaptability in the face of strange and daunting circumstances.
Coraline grew up as a self-sufficient child, mainly because her parents were always too busy with their work to spare time for their daughter. However, due to her trials in the parallel universe, Coraline undergoes great growth and development. As a result, she ends up much more independent than she used to be. Left all alone without the support of her parents, Coraline is forced to make “adult-like” decisions throughout her journey. She tries hard to function on her own, especially in the other universe where she ends up making some difficult choices.
”It’s Coraline, Mister Bobo,” said Coraline. “Not Caroline. Coraline.”
Coraline to Mr. Bobo, Chapter 13
By the end of the novella, Coraline emerges as a self-assured and independent young girl. She is capable of asserting herself even in the face of her neighbors who are otherwise dismissive of her. Toward the very end, as seen in the above quote, she even convinces Mr. Bobo that her name is not Caroline, as he had been calling her all this time, but Coraline.
Quick Wittedness
“Challenge her. There’s no guarantee she’ll play fair, but her kind of thing loves games and challenges.”
Talking Cat to Coraline when she tries to confront the Other Mother, Chapter 5
Here, the Talking Cat is advising Coraline on how to confront the Other Mother, warning her that the Other Mother may not play fair but enjoys games and challenges. The Talking Cat offers this advice to empower Coraline and prepare her for the confrontation with the Other Mother. It underscores the importance of strategy and cunning when dealing with adversaries, especially ones as cunning and deceptive as the Other Mother. This advice serves to guide Coraline in her quest to rescue her parents and outsmart the malevolent entity.
This quote is significant as it highlights the theme of wit, strategy, and cunning in Coraline’s confrontation with the Other Mother. It emphasizes the need for Coraline to be proactive and assertive in challenging the Other Mother, rather than passively accepting her fate. The advice from the Talking Cat demonstrates Coraline’s growing awareness of the situation’s complexities and her willingness to take risks to achieve her goals. It also underscores the idea that Coraline must navigate a world where appearances can be deceiving, and where she must rely on her intelligence and resourcefulness to succeed.
”But what kind of game shall it be? A riddle game? A test of knowledge or of skill?”
“An exploring game,” suggested Coraline. “A finding-things game.“
The Other Mother and Coraline discuss the game that Coraline devices, Chapter 8
Coraline shows off her cleverness throughout her adventures in the other world. Just as she was losing hope of finding her parents, she came up with a brilliant idea to outwit the Other Mother. She suggests that the two of them play a game. She strikes up a bargain with the evil Beldam. As Coraline is confident in her abilities as an explorer, she suggests that if she can find her parents and the souls of the ghost children, the Other Mother should set her free. Here, we see how she is quick on her feet in thinking of a solution, especially in a high-stress situation.
Childhood and Adulthood
“Coraline wondered why so few of the adults she had met made any sense. She sometimes wondered who they thought they were talking to.“
Coraline’s reflections on the adults in her life, Chapter 2
Coraline reflects on her interactions with the adults she has encountered, likely including her parents, teachers, and neighbors, as she tries to understand what her neighbors, Miss. Forcible and Miss. Spink tells her after reading her tea leaves. Coraline is alarmed at being warned of terrible danger and requests more information, but her neighbors do not make any sense to her. Coraline is puzzled by the lack of coherence and understanding among the adults in her life.
This quote sheds light on Coraline’s perception of the adult world and her place within it. It highlights the theme of disillusionment and skepticism towards authority figures, which is a common experience for many children as they navigate the complexities of adulthood. Coraline’s introspection adds depth to her character, revealing her independent and discerning nature. It also serves to contrast Coraline’s clarity of thought with the confusion and inconsistency she observes in the adult world, underscoring her resilience and resourcefulness as she confronts the challenges before her.
“It won’t hurt,” said her other father. Coraline knew that when grown-ups told you something wouldn’t hurt it almost always did. She shook her head.
The Other Father to Coraline when he tries to convince her to sew buttons into her eyes, Chapter 4
The Other Father is trying to convince Coraline to let the Other Mother sew buttons into her eyes, as part of the Other Mother’s plan to replace Coraline’s eyes with buttons. Coraline is deeply apprehensive, and the Other Father reassures her. However, the Other Father’s reassurance contrasts with Coraline’s intuition that grown-ups often say things will not hurt when they do. Coraline’s skepticism reflects her cautious nature and her distrust of the Other Mother’s intentions. Coraline’s resistance highlights her refusal to blindly trust authority figures and her determination to resist the Other Mother’s manipulation. This moment contributes to Coraline’s character development, as she asserts her autonomy and stands firm against the Other Mother’s sinister schemes.
Manipulation
“You may come out when you’ve learned some manners,” said the other mother. “And when you’re ready to be a loving daughter.”
The Other Mother to Coraline, Chapter 6
The Other Mother is speaking to Coraline after Coraline refuses to have buttons sewn into her eyes. The Other Mother banishes Coraline to a small, dark space behind a mirror as punishment for her disobedience. Here, the Other Mother is imposing conditions on Coraline’s release, stating that she must learn manners and be a loving daughter before she can leave her confinement.
This quote highlights the power dynamic between Coraline and the Other Mother. It emphasizes the Other Mother’s desire for control and obedience, contrasting with Coraline’s resistance and independence. The quote underscores the theme of manipulation and coercion, as the Other Mother seeks to mold Coraline into the obedient daughter she desires. Coraline’s defiance in the face of such manipulation showcases her strength of character and determination to resist the Other Mother’s attempts to control her. This moment contributes to the escalating tension between Coraline and the Other Mother, driving the plot towards its climax.
“How do I know you’ll keep your word?” asked Coraline.
“I swear it,” said the other mother. “I swear it on my own mother’s grave.”
“Does she have a grave?” asked Coraline.
“Oh yes,” said the other mother. “I put her in there myself. And when I found her trying to crawl out, I put her back.”
Coraline discusses trust and honesty with The Other Mother, Chapter 8
Coraline is negotiating with the Other Mother, seeking assurances that the Other Mother will keep her word regarding a bargain they have struck. The Other Mother responds by swearing on her own mother’s grave, implying a solemn promise. However, Coraline’s subsequent question exposes the Other Mother’s manipulative nature and lack of empathy, as she reveals a disturbing detail about how she treated her mother.
This quote underscores the theme of manipulation and deception throughout the story. The Other Mother’s seemingly solemn oath is quickly undermined by Coraline’s astute questioning, revealing the Other Mother’s callous and sinister nature. It highlights Coraline’s growing awareness of the Other Mother’s true intentions and her determination to resist manipulation.
“You know I love you,” said the other mother flatly.
“You have a very funny way of showing it,” said Coraline.
The Other Mother tries to persuade Coraline to stay in the Other World, Chapter 11
Here, Coraline confronts the Other Mother after discovering her true intentions and the danger she poses to Coraline and her family. The Other Mother claims to love Coraline, despite her malevolent actions and attempts to manipulate her.
The Other Mother says this to manipulate Coraline and maintain control over her. By claiming to love Coraline, the Other Mother seeks to undermine Coraline’s resistance and persuade her to comply with her demands. Coraline’s response reveals her skepticism and refusal to be swayed by empty words, demonstrating her resilience and determination to resist the Other Mother’s influence. It also highlights Coraline’s growing maturity and understanding of the difference between genuine love and false affection.
