Large family Quote by Charles Dickens
““Mr Henry Gowan and the dog were established frequenters of the cottage, and the day was fixed for the wedding. There was to be a convocation of Barnacles on the occasion, in order that that very high and very large family might shed as much lustre on the marriage as so dim an event was capable of receiving. To have got the whole Barnacle””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Pickwick Papers, 1837
A whimsical description of a wedding gathering, likening it to a grand assembly of barnacles, emphasizing social spectacle.
In simple terms: A wedding is portrayed as a grand, almost absurd social event.
Note the absurdity of social gatherings.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- weddings
- family gatherings
- public events
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the barnacle metaphor reveal about society?
- Do we sometimes over‑celebrate events?
The satire may overlook genuine emotional significance.