“Very likely Miss Binny was right to a great extent. It is the pretty face which creates sympathy in the hearts of men, those wicked rogues. A woman may possess the wisdom and chastity of Minerva, and we give no heed to her, if she has a plain face. What folly will not a pair of bright eyes make pardonable? What dulness may not red lips and sweet accents render pleasant? And so, with their usual sense of justice, ladies argue that because a woman is handsome, therefore she is a fool. Oh, ladies, ladies! some there are of you who are neither handsome nor wise.”
In this quote from William Makepeace Thackeray, the narrator reflects on the power of a pretty face in society. The narrator suggests that men are easily swayed by physical appearance, giving sympathy and attention to women based on their beauty rather than their wisdom or virtue. Thackeray's commentary highlights the unfairness and superficiality of society's standards, criticizing the tendency to overlook intelligent and virtuous women who may not be conventionally attractive. The quote serves as a commentary on gender dynamics and the importance placed on physical appearance in shaping perceptions and opportunities.
In this passage from William Makepeace Thackeray's novel, the character reflects on society's tendency to place importance on physical appearance over inner qualities. This theme remains relevant today, as many still make assumptions about a person's intelligence or character based on their looks.
In the passage provided, William Makepeace Thackeray highlights the societal tendency to prioritize physical appearance over intelligence or wisdom in women. This quote showcases the idea that a woman's beauty often overshadows her other qualities in the eyes of men, leading to unfair judgments and assumptions. Thackeray's poignant words serve as a reminder of the superficial standards placed on women by society.
This quote by William Makepeace Thackeray highlights the societal expectations and stereotypes placed on women based on their appearance. It raises important questions about beauty, intelligence, and the value society places on each. Consider the following reflection questions:
“A woman may possess the wisdom and chastity of Minerva, and we give no heed to her, if she has a plain face. What folly will not a pair of bright eyes make pardonable? What dullness may not red lips are sweet accents render pleasant? And so, with their usual sense of justice, ladies argue that because a woman is handsome, therefore she is a fool. O ladies, ladies! there are some of you who are neither handsome nor wise. ”
“Before I go," he said, and paused -- "I may kiss her?"It was remembered afterwards that when he bent down and touched her face with his lips, he murmured some words. The child, who was nearest to him, told them afterwards, and told her grandchildren when she was a handsome old lady, that she heard him say, "A life you love.”
“She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me, and I am in no humor at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men.”
“She only maintains that it is possible, under some circumstances, for a lady to murder her husband; but that a woman who wears ankle-strap shoes and smokes on the street corner, though she may be a joy to all who know her and have devoted her life to charity, could never qualify as a lady.”
“I’m not—Lady MacbethLucrezia BorgiaCatherine the Great. I am—a woman doing what she has to do. I am—the woman you made me.Elena is at war.”