Aristocratic Quote by Charles Dickens
““He has a very nice face and style, really," said Mrs. Kenwigs. "He certainly has," added Miss Petowker. "There's something in his appearance quite--dear, dear, what's the word again?" "What word?" inquired Mr. Lillyvick. "Why--dear me, how stupid I am!" replied Miss Petowker, hesitating. "What do you call it when lords break off doorknockers, and beat policemen, and play at coaches with other people's money, and all that sort of thing?" "Aristocratic?" suggested the collector. "Ah! Aristocratic," replied Miss Petowker; "something very aristocratic about him, isn't there?" The gentlemen held their peace, and smiled at each other, as who should say, "Well! there's no accounting for tastes;" but the ladies resolved unanimously that Nicholas had an aristocratic air, and nobody caring to dispute the position, it was established triumphantly.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens, 1836
The narrator describes a character’s aristocratic aura, mixing admiration and satire.
In simple terms: He seems refined and noble, but the description is playful.
Key Takeaway
Recognize both genuine charm and social pretension.
Themes
class
appearance
social critique
irony
Mood
wry
observational
Type
literary
satirical
When to use this quote
- social events
- networking
- first impressions
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
sociology
character study
Questions to Reflect On
- How does social status affect perception?
- When does admiration become mockery?
A Different Perspective
The tone may exaggerate traits for comedic effect.
![“You are the only woman who has a sense of gaiety, a wise tolerance - no more, you seem to urge me to betray you. I love you for that. [...] I don't know what to expect of you, but it is something in the way of a miracle. I am going to demand everything of you - even the impossible, because you…” quote by Henry Miller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/33d/henry-miller-179_aristocratic_you-are-the-only-woman-who-has-a-sense-o_253045.jpg)
