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Indeed, for my own part, though I have been repeatedly…

“Indeed, for my own part, though I have been repeatedly told by persons for whom I have the greatest respect, that Miss Brown is an insignificant chit, and Mrs. White has nothing but her petit minois chiffonne, and Mrs. Black has not a word to say for herself; yet I know that I have had the most…” quote by William Makepeace Thackeray
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““Indeed, for my own part, though I have been repeatedly told by persons for whom I have the greatest respect, that Miss Brown is an insignificant chit, and Mrs. White has nothing but her petit minois chiffonne, and Mrs. Black has not a word to say for herself; yet I know that I have had the most delightful conversations with Mrs. Black (of course, my dear Madam, they are inviolable): I see all the men in a cluster round Mrs. White's chair: all the young fellows battling to dance with Miss Brown; and so I am tempted to think that to be despised by her sex is a very great compliment to a woman.””

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.

He suggests that being underestimated by women can be a flattering sign of their respect.

In simple terms: Being dismissed by women can be a compliment.

Key Takeaway

Value subtle respect.

Themes

gender dynamics social perception humor

Mood

witty analytical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • social gatherings
  • workplace interactions
  • literary analysis
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

female agency social hierarchy conversational nuance

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does this reveal about gender expectations?
  • How can one interpret subtle social cues?
A Different Perspective

May overlook genuine criticism.

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