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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…” quote by Charles Dickens
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““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””

Charles Dickens

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.

Key Takeaway

Note the absurdity of social gatherings.

Themes

social satire humor celebration community

Mood

witty observational

Type

literary humorous

When to use this quote

  • weddings
  • family gatherings
  • public events
  • literary analysis

Key Concepts

Satire social commentary

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the barnacle metaphor reveal about society?
  • Do we sometimes over‑celebrate events?
A Different Perspective

The satire may overlook genuine emotional significance.

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