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One of the first evidences of a real lady, is that she…

“One of the first evidences of a real lady, is that she should be modest. By modesty we mean that she shall not say, do, nor wear anything that would cause her to appear gaudy, ill-bred, or unchaste. There should be nothing about her to attract unfavorable attention, nothing in her dress or manner…” quote by Margaret Hale
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““One of the first evidences of a real lady, is that she should be modest. By modesty we mean that she shall not say, do, nor wear anything that would cause her to appear gaudy, ill-bred, or unchaste. There should be nothing about her to attract unfavorable attention, nothing in her dress or manner that would give a man an excuse for vulgar comment. When we dress contrary to the rule of modesty we give excuse for unwholesome thoughts in the mind of those who look upon us, and every girl who oversteps these bounds makes herself liable to misunderstanding and insult, though she may be innocent of any such intention.””

Margaret Hale

About This Quote

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

True gentility is shown through modest dress and behavior, avoiding provocation.

In simple terms: Modesty shows true ladyhood.

Key Takeaway

Practice modesty and restraint.

Themes

modesty gentility behavior social norms

Mood

formal reserved

Type

ethical social

When to use this quote

  • personal dress
  • public interaction
  • social expectation

Key Concepts

social etiquette gender studies

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does modesty influence perception?
  • When is modesty appropriate?
A Different Perspective

May limit self-expression.

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