“ The only difference between the saint and the sinner is that every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future. ”
Oscar Wilde, A Woman of No Importance (1893). copy citation
| Author | Oscar Wilde |
|---|---|
| Source | A Woman of No Importance |
| Topic | past future sin saint |
| Date | 1893 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | https://www.gutenberg.org/files/854/854-h/854-h.htm |
Context
“I have a dim idea, dear Lord Illingworth, that you are always on the side of the sinners, and I know I always try to be on the side of the saints, but that is as far as I get. And after all, it may be merely the fancy of a drowning person.
Lord Illingworth. The only difference between the saint and the sinner is that every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.
Lady Hunstanton. Ah! that quite does for me. I haven't a word to say. You and I, dear Mrs. Arbuthnot, are behind the age. We can't follow Lord Illingworth. Too much care was taken with our education, I am afraid.” source
Lord Illingworth. The only difference between the saint and the sinner is that every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.
Lady Hunstanton. Ah! that quite does for me. I haven't a word to say. You and I, dear Mrs. Arbuthnot, are behind the age. We can't follow Lord Illingworth. Too much care was taken with our education, I am afraid.” source
Meaning and analysis
