Cecily. This is no time for wearing the shallow mask of…
“Cecily. This is no time for wearing the shallow mask of manners. When I see a spade I call it a spade. Gwendolen. [Satirically.] I am glad to say that I have never seen a spade. It is obvious that our social spheres have been widely different.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Social pretenses are shallow; call things by their true names.
In simple terms: Be honest, avoid superficial manners.
Speak truthfully, reject false etiquette.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- public discourse
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When is honesty more important than politeness?
- How to balance truth with social harmony?
Truth may offend or cause conflict.