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Association Quote by Charles Dickens

“... I had a latent impression that there was something decidedly fine in Mr. Wopsle's elocution - not for old associations' sake, I am afraid, but because it was very slow, very dreary, very up-hill and down-hill, and very unlike any way in which any man in any natural circumstances of life or…” quote by Charles Dickens
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“... I had a latent impression that there was something decidedly fine in Mr. Wopsle's elocution - not for old associations' sake, I am afraid, but because it was very slow, very dreary, very up-hill and down-hill, and very unlike any way in which any man in any natural circumstances of life or death ever expressed himself about anything.”

Charles Dickens

About This Quote

Source Novel: Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, 1861

The narrator notes Mr. Wopsle's speech as unusually slow, dreary, and inconsistent, suggesting it feels unnatural for any serious situation.

In simple terms: Wopsle's speaking is oddly slow and gloomy, unlike normal expression.

Key Takeaway

Recognize when communication feels forced or out of place.

Themes

literature character analysis communication

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

literary observational

When to use this quote

  • reading class
  • public speaking critique
  • writing workshops
  • psychology of speech
  • media analysis

Key Concepts

Victorian literature narrative voice

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does exaggerated speech affect character perception?
  • When does a style become a barrier to understanding?
A Different Perspective

The description may be exaggerated for comedic effect, not a factual assessment of speech.

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