He had not an ounce of superfluous flesh on his bones, and leanness goes a great way towards gentility

He had not an ounce of superfluous flesh on his bones, and leanness goes a great way towards gentility

In Elizabeth Gaskell's novel "North and South," the character John Thornton is described as a man who possesses a lean and muscular physique. Gaskell writes, "He had not an ounce of superfluous flesh on his bones, and leanness goes a great way towards gentility." This description of Thornton's physical appearance not only serves to highlight his strength and vitality but also reflects his character and social standing.