The head must be studied under two relations: as the agent of expression
through its movements, and as the centre of attraction; that is, the
point of departure or arrival for the different gestures of the arm.
Let us now apply ourselves to the signification of the movements of the
head and eyes, the face and lips.
_The Movements of the Head._
There are two sorts of movements of the head: movements of attitude and
fugitive movements.
_Movements of Attitude._--The head has nine primary attitudes, from
which many others proceed.
In the normal attitude, the head is neither high nor low.
In the concentric attitude the head is lowered; this is the reflective
state.
In the eccentric attitude the head is elevated; this is the vital
state.
Soldiers and men of robust physique carry the head high.
Here are three genera, each of which gives three species.
_The Normal State._
When the head is erect, it is passive and neutral.
The head inclining laterally toward the interlocutor indicates
affection.
If in the inverse direction, opposite the interlocutor, sensualism is
indicated. This is in fact retroaction; in the first case we love the
soul, in the latter the form.
_The Eccentric State._
If the head bends backward it is the passional or vehement state.
The head inclined toward the interlocutor, denotes abandon, confidence.
The head turned away from the interlocutor, denotes pride, noble or
base.
Pages:
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79