Devotion Quote by Charlotte Brontë
““She sang, as requested. There was much about love in the ballad: faithful love that refused to abandon its object; love that disaster could not shake; love that, in calamity, waxed fonder, in poverty clung closer. The words were set to a fine old air -- in themselves they were simple and sweet: perhaps, when read, they wanted force; when well sung, they wanted nothing. Shirley sang them well: she breathed into the feeling, softness, she poured round the passion, force: her voice was fine that evening; its expression dramatic: she impressed all, and charmed one. On leaving the instrument, she went to the fire, and sat down on a seat -- semi-stool, semi-cushion: the ladies were round her -- none of them spoke. The Misses Sympson and the Misses Nunnely looked upon her, as quiet poultry might look on an egret, an ibis, or any other strange fowl. What made her sing so? They never sang so. Was it proper to sing with such expression, with such originality -- so unlike a school girl? Decidedly not: it was strange, it was unusual. What was strange must be wrong ; what was unusual must be improper . Shirley was judged.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Shirley by Charlotte Brontë, 1849
The passage critiques a woman's unconventional, passionate singing, labeling it as improper because it deviates from expected modesty.
In simple terms: A woman’s expressive singing is judged harshly for being too original.
Key Takeaway
Accept authentic expression, even if it challenges norms.
Themes
gender expectations
artistic expression
social judgment
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
literary
social commentary
feminist
When to use this quote
- social gatherings
- musical performance
- female artists
- public perception
Key Concepts
feminist critique
performance theory
cultural norms
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance artistic freedom with social conventions?
- When does originality become perceived as impropriety?
A Different Perspective
Authenticity may clash with societal expectations, leading to unfair criticism.
