“ In this world there are only two tragedies. One is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it. ”
Oscar Wilde, Lady Windermere's Fan (1893). copy citation
| Author | Oscar Wilde |
|---|---|
| Source | Lady Windermere's Fan |
| Topic | desire frustration satisfaction |
| Date | 1893 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/790/790-h/790-h.htm |
Context
“A carefully thought-out buttonhole is much more effective.
Dumby. She doesn't really love you then?
Lord Darlington. No, she does not!
Dumby. I congratulate you, my dear fellow. In this world there are only two tragedies. One is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it. The last is much the worst; the last is a real tragedy! But I am interested to hear she does not love you. How long could you love a woman who didn't love you, Cecil?
Cecil Graham. A woman who didn't love me?” source
Dumby. She doesn't really love you then?
Lord Darlington. No, she does not!
Dumby. I congratulate you, my dear fellow. In this world there are only two tragedies. One is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it. The last is much the worst; the last is a real tragedy! But I am interested to hear she does not love you. How long could you love a woman who didn't love you, Cecil?
Cecil Graham. A woman who didn't love me?” source
Meaning and analysis
