“ Actions are the first tragedy in life, words are the second. Words are perhaps the worst. Words are merciless... ”
Oscar Wilde, Lady Windermere's Fan (1893). copy citation
| Author | Oscar Wilde |
|---|---|
| Source | Lady Windermere's Fan |
| Topic | words tragedy mercy action |
| Date | 1893 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/790/790-h/790-h.htm |
Context
“and what a pity that in life we only get our lessons when they are of no use to us! For even if she doesn't tell, I must. Oh! the shame of it, the shame of it. To tell it is to live through it all again. Actions are the first tragedy in life, words are the second. Words are perhaps the worst. Words are merciless. . . . Oh! [Starts as Lord Windermere enters.]
Lord Windermere. [Kisses her.] Margaret—how pale you look!
Lady Windermere. I slept very badly.
” source
Lord Windermere. [Kisses her.] Margaret—how pale you look!
Lady Windermere. I slept very badly.
” source
Meaning and analysis
