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If you had told Sycorax that her son Caliban was as…

“If you had told Sycorax that her son Caliban was as handsome as Apollo, she would have been pleased, witch as she was.” quote by William Makepeace Thackeray
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“If you had told Sycorax that her son Caliban was as handsome as Apollo, she would have been pleased, witch as she was.”

William Makepeace Thackeray

About This Quote

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

The speaker suggests that praising a witch’s son as handsome would please her, highlighting how flattery works on pride.

In simple terms: Flattery can please even the proud.

Key Takeaway

Use sincere compliments wisely.

Themes

pride flattery relationships

Mood

playful reflective

Type

literary social

When to use this quote

  • family dynamics
  • literary analysis
  • personal interactions

Key Concepts

psychology social dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • When have you used flattery effectively?
  • What risks does insincere praise carry?
A Different Perspective

Flattery may backfire if perceived as insincere.

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