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Why look'e, young gentleman," said Toby, "when a man keeps…

“Why look'e, young gentleman," said Toby, "when a man keeps himself so very ex-clusive as I have done, and by that means has a snug house over his head with nobody a-prying and smelling about it, it's rather a starling thing to have the honour of a wisit from a young gentleman (however respectable…” quote by Charles Dickens
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““Why look'e, young gentleman," said Toby, "when a man keeps himself so very ex-clusive as I have done, and by that means has a snug house over his head with nobody a-prying and smelling about it, it's rather a starling thing to have the honour of a wisit from a young gentleman (however respectable and pleasant a person he may be to play cards with at conweniency) circumstanced as you are.””

Charles Dickens

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A character humorously boasts about his privacy and exclusivity, likening it to a bird’s nesting.

In simple terms: Humorous brag about privacy and exclusivity.

Key Takeaway

Respect others’ boundaries while staying humble.

Themes

humor privacy exclusivity

Mood

lighthearted self‑aware

Type

narrative social commentary

When to use this quote

  • social gatherings
  • personal space
  • introductions

Key Concepts

social etiquette self‑presentation

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is it appropriate to share personal space?
  • How does humor affect social perception?
A Different Perspective

Boasting can alienate listeners.

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