Say she rail; why, I'll tell her plain She sings as…
“Say she rail; why, I'll tell her plain She sings as sweetly as a nightingale. Say that she frown; I'll say she looks as clear As morning roses newly wash'd with dew. Say she be mute and will not speak a word; Then I'll commend her volubility, and say she uttereth piercing eloquence.”
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 uses sarcasm to praise a woman's silence by claiming it is more eloquent than speech, highlighting the irony of praising the opposite of what is said.
In simple terms: Sarcasm praises silence as eloquence.
Key Takeaway
Recognize irony in praise.
Themes
irony
language
communication
gender
sarcasm
Mood
playful
critical
Type
literary
humorous
When to use this quote
- theatre performance
- literary analysis
- writing workshops
- social critique
- education
Key Concepts
rhetoric
literary devices
social commentary
Questions to Reflect On
- How does sarcasm affect perception?
- When is irony an effective tool?
A Different Perspective
It may be misinterpreted as genuine praise.