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I have a beard,' Dr. Montague said, pleased, and looked…

“I have a beard,' Dr. Montague said, pleased, and looked around at them with a happy beam. 'My wife,' he told them, 'likes a man to wear a beard. Many women, on the other hand, find a beard distasteful. A clean-shaven man - you'll excuse me, my boy - never looks fully dressed, my wife tells me.' He…” quote by Shirley Jackson
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““I have a beard,' Dr. Montague said, pleased, and looked around at them with a happy beam. 'My wife,' he told them, 'likes a man to wear a beard. Many women, on the other hand, find a beard distasteful. A clean-shaven man - you'll excuse me, my boy - never looks fully dressed, my wife tells me.' He held out his glass to Luke.””

Shirley Jackson

About This Quote

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

A man’s beard becomes a symbol of personal identity and marital expectations, highlighting social pressures.

In simple terms: Beard reflects identity and expectations.

Key Takeaway

Question how personal traits affect relationships.

Themes

identity social norms marriage humor

Mood

wry observational

Type

literary humorous

When to use this quote

  • dating
  • marriage counseling
  • self‑presentation
  • cultural critique

Key Concepts

symbolism gender roles personal expression

Questions to Reflect On

  • What personal symbols define you?
  • How do societal expectations shape self‑image?
A Different Perspective

Relying on external validation can undermine authenticity.

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