1

In George Orwell's novel 1984, Part one, Chapter IV, there is a sentence:

In the corresponding cubicle on the other side a small, precise-looking, dark-chinned man named Tillotson was working steadily away.

I've looked up 'precise' in dictionaries, but still cannot understand what a precise-looking man is like. Can you guys help?

Improve this question
2
  • This reminds me of T S Eliot’s self-mockery in his parody of Edward Lear: 'How unpleasant to meet Mr. Eliot! / With his features of clerical cut, / And his brow so grim / And his mouth so prim / And his conversation, so nicely / Restricted to What Precisely / And If and Perhaps and But.'
    – Barrie England
    Sep 20, 2011 at 8:39
  • Reminds me of a bizarre exchange from Dune: "The, hm-m-m-m, precise young man, ah, my... hm-m-m-m... dear?" The Count glanced at the Baron. "My dear Baron, you say you've spoken of us to this precise young man? What did you say?"..."you come upon such, mm-m-m, preciseness so rarely"
    – JeffSahol
    Sep 21, 2011 at 2:47

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
6

He is "precise-looking" in the sense that he has been precise in every step of how he presents himself -- his hair, his skin, his clothes. You won't find lazily-brushed hair on him.

Just imagine a person like that sitting with short, thoroughly brushed hair, in a nice dress shirt tucked in with a belt and loafers, sitting with a half-frown on their face as they faithfully do their work. That's the kind of image that Orwell is conjuring up.

Improve this answer
1
  • I like the image you conjured in my mind! +1
    – Thursagen
    Sep 20, 2011 at 9:35
3

I don't know that there is a formal definition for precise-looking, but in a character development it may mean precise-acting or fastidious as much as the way he looks. I would consider him a bit fastidious, well groomed, with conservative features and dress. In this case, I think each reader might have a unique picture of the man.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.