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These gentlemen, although of the highest nobility,'…

“These gentlemen, although of the highest nobility,' thought Julien, 'are not in the least boring like the people who come to dine with M. de La Mole; and I can see why,' he added a moment later,'they are not ashamed to be indecent.” quote by Stendhal
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““These gentlemen, although of the highest nobility,' thought Julien, 'are not in the least boring like the people who come to dine with M. de La Mole; and I can see why,' he added a moment later,'they are not ashamed to be indecent.””

Stendhal

About This Quote

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

Nobility can be indecent yet unashamed, contrasting with common expectations of decorum.

In simple terms: High status may be indecent, unapologetic.

Key Takeaway

Do not judge solely by class.

Themes

class indecency social norms

Mood

ironic observational

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • social gatherings
  • courtship
  • political intrigue
  • literary analysis

Key Concepts

aristocratic behavior hypocrisy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does class affect moral judgments?
  • What does indecency reveal about power?
A Different Perspective

Indecency may be a critique of aristocratic hypocrisy.

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