“ a sentimentalist . . . is a man who sees an absurd value in everything, and doesn't know the market price of any single thing. ”
Oscar Wilde, Lady Windermere's Fan (1893). copy citation
| Author | Oscar Wilde |
|---|---|
| Source | Lady Windermere's Fan |
| Topic | value price sentimentalism |
| Date | 1893 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/790/790-h/790-h.htm |
Context
“What cynics you fellows are!
Cecil Graham. What is a cynic? [Sitting on the back of the sofa.]
Lord Darlington. A man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.
Cecil Graham. And a sentimentalist, my dear Darlington, is a man who sees an absurd value in everything, and doesn't know the market price of any single thing.
Lord Darlington. You always amuse me, Cecil. You talk as if you were a man of experience.
Cecil Graham. I am. [Moves up to front off fireplace.]
Lord Darlington.” source
Cecil Graham. What is a cynic? [Sitting on the back of the sofa.]
Lord Darlington. A man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.
Cecil Graham. And a sentimentalist, my dear Darlington, is a man who sees an absurd value in everything, and doesn't know the market price of any single thing.
Lord Darlington. You always amuse me, Cecil. You talk as if you were a man of experience.
Cecil Graham. I am. [Moves up to front off fireplace.]
Lord Darlington.” source
Meaning and analysis
