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she swore in good mouth-filling oaths, but never smutty…

“she swore in good mouth-filling oaths, but never smutty ones, and that was uncommon. She knew the prosody of profanity. . . . she knew the tune, as well as the words. She was not a raving beauty, but she had fine eyes and a Pre-Raphelite air of being too good for this world while at the same time…” quote by Robertson Davies
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““she swore in good mouth-filling oaths, but never smutty ones, and that was uncommon. She knew the prosody of profanity. . . . she knew the tune, as well as the words. She was not a raving beauty, but she had fine eyes and a Pre-Raphelite air of being too good for this world while at the same time exhibiting much of what this world desires in a woman, and I suppose I gaped at her and behaved clownishly.””

Robertson Davies

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’s unique way of swearing reflects deep personal style, showing that language can be both refined and rebellious.

In simple terms: Creative profanity reveals personality.

Key Takeaway

Embrace personal expression.

Themes

language identity rebellion creativity

Mood

reflective introspective

Type

literary character study

When to use this quote

  • personal branding
  • writing
  • performance art
  • social interaction

Key Concepts

linguistics self‑presentation social norms

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does your speech reflect your inner self?
  • When is unconventional language effective?
A Different Perspective

May alienate those who prefer conventional speech.

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