"I was a window dresser for Burton's once. What really put me off was the area manager coming round and saying, Charles, I think you're a natch at this"
About this Quote
In this quote, Charles Dance is assessing a past experience working as a window cabinet at Burton's, a widely known British clothing retailer. The function of a window cabinet involves creating appealing displays in shop windows to attract clients and showcase merchandise. While this may seem like a glamorous or artistically satisfying task, Dance exposes a moment of disillusionment through the interaction with his area supervisor.
The term "natch" is a casual way of stating "natural". It suggests that the location supervisor complimented Dance by implying he had a natural skill for window dressing. Nevertheless, making use of "natch" instead of "natural" introduces a casual, almost dismissive tone, which might be a sign of how little weight the compliment brought for Dance. This offhanded nature of the praise could recommend that the supervisor was trying to be helpful but discovered as insincere or shallow.
Dance's remark, "What truly put me off", highlights his unfavorable response to what should, on the surface area, be a motivating declaration. His use of this expression suggests a turning point or a moment of doubt about his profession choice at that time. There could be multiple analyses of why this specific comment had such an effect. It may suggest that Dance felt undervalued or that he questioned the authenticity of the compliment. Maybe the compliment encountered his own ambitions, hinting that window dressing was not seen by him as a profession course he wanted to pursue, in spite of being proficient at it.
Ultimately, this anecdote offers a peek into Dance's early profession experiences and personal introspections. It reflects the typical human experience of facing external recognition and discovering one's real calling. By sharing this memory, Dance permits the audience to understand not only a little bit about his past but likewise about the universal journey of seeking purpose and fulfillment in one's career.