Character Quote by Charles Dickens
“Sir," returned Mrs. Sparsit, " I cannot say that i have heard him precisely snore, and therefore must not make that statement. But on winter evenings, when he has fallen asleep at his table, I have heard him, what I should prefer to describe as partially choke. I have heard him on such occasions produce sounds of a nature similar to what may be heard in dutch clocks. Not," said Mrs. Sparsit, with a lofty sense of giving strict evidence, " That I would convey any imputation on his moral character. Far from it.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens, 1855
Mrs. Sparsit avoids accusing a man of snoring, instead describing odd sleep noises, emphasizing caution in moral judgment.
In simple terms: She refrains from moral accusations, focusing on factual observations.
Key Takeaway
Speak facts, not judgments.
Themes
caution
judgment
communication
Mood
reserved
analytical
Type
observational
ethical
When to use this quote
- workplace
- social gatherings
- personal disputes
Key Concepts
ethics
social perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we describe behavior without implying moral fault?
- When is it appropriate to share personal observations?
A Different Perspective
She may still imply criticism indirectly.
