“ I don't like compliments, and I don't see why a man should think he is pleasing a woman enormously when he says to her a whole heap of things that he doesn't mean. ”
Oscar Wilde, Lady Windermere's Fan (1893). copy citation
| Author | Oscar Wilde |
|---|---|
| Source | Lady Windermere's Fan |
| Topic | women hypocrisy flattery compliments |
| Date | 1893 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/790/790-h/790-h.htm |
Context
“Ah, nowadays we are all of us so hard up, that the only pleasant things to pay are compliments. They're the only things we can pay.
Lady Windermere. [Shaking her head.] No, I am talking very seriously. You mustn't laugh, I am quite serious. I don't like compliments, and I don't see why a man should think he is pleasing a woman enormously when he says to her a whole heap of things that he doesn't mean.
Lord Darlington. Ah, but I did mean them. [Takes tea which she offers him.]
Lady Windermere. [Gravely.] I hope not. I should be sorry to have to quarrel with you, Lord Darlington. I like you very much, you know that.” source
Lady Windermere. [Shaking her head.] No, I am talking very seriously. You mustn't laugh, I am quite serious. I don't like compliments, and I don't see why a man should think he is pleasing a woman enormously when he says to her a whole heap of things that he doesn't mean.
Lord Darlington. Ah, but I did mean them. [Takes tea which she offers him.]
Lady Windermere. [Gravely.] I hope not. I should be sorry to have to quarrel with you, Lord Darlington. I like you very much, you know that.” source
Meaning and analysis
