“Mrs. Joe was a very clean housekeeper, but had an exquisite art of making her cleanliness more uncomfortable and unacceptable than dirt itself.”
Explore This Quote Further
Analysis of Quote from Charles Dickens
In this quote from Charles Dickens' novel Great Expectations, the character of Mrs. Joe is described as being a meticulous housekeeper, yet her obsessive need for cleanliness actually makes the environment more unpleasant. This highlights the idea that perfectionism and rigidity can sometimes create discomfort and discord in relationships and environments. Mrs. Joe's attitude towards cleanliness is so extreme that it becomes oppressive and stifling, suggesting that there can be a negative side to being overly focused on cleanliness and order.
The Power of Perception
In Charles Dickens' novel, "Great Expectations," he describes the character Mrs. Joe as someone who takes cleanliness to an extreme, making her meticulous habits more unpleasant than actual dirt. This quote highlights the idea that sometimes, our actions or behaviors, no matter how well-intentioned, can actually have negative effects. This concept is still relevant today, as it serves as a reminder that moderation and consideration for others are important in all aspects of life.
Quote from Charles Dickens
In this quote from Charles Dickens, the character Mrs. Joe is described as a very clean housekeeper, but her obsession with cleanliness actually makes her home uncomfortable and unpleasant. This quote highlights the idea that cleanliness can sometimes be taken to an extreme.
Reflection Questions
Reflecting on this quote by Charles Dickens, consider the following questions:
- In what ways can cleanliness be taken to an extreme, making it more unpleasant than the dirt itself?
- How does Mrs. Joe's approach to cleanliness reflect on her character and relationships with others?
- Have you ever encountered someone who prioritizes cleanliness to the point of it being uncomfortable or unwelcoming? How did it affect your perception of them?
- How can balance be achieved in maintaining a clean environment without becoming overbearing or off-putting to others?
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“Mrs Joe was a very clean housekeeper, but had an exquisite art of making her clenliness more umcomfortable and unacceptable than dirt itself. Cleanliness is next to godliness, and some people do the same by their religion.”
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“Joe's blue eyes turned a little watery; he rubbed first one of them, and then the other, in a most uncongenial and uncomfortable manner, with the round knob on the top of the poker.”
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“…a lady of what is commonly called an uncertain temper--a phrase which being interpreted signifies a temper tolerably certain to make everybody more or less uncomfortable.”