Beautiful woman Quote by Dorothy Parker
““...It's not that she has not tried to improve her condition before acknowledging its hopelessness. (Oh, come on, let's get the hell out of this, and get into the first person.) I have sought, by study, to better my form and make myself Society's Darling. You see, I had been fed, in my youth, a lot of old wives' tales about the way men would instantly forsake a beautiful woman to flock about a brilliant one. It is but fair to say that, after getting out in the world, I had never seen this happen, but I thought that maybe I might be the girl to start the vogue. I would become brilliant. I would sparkle. I would hold whole dinner tables spellbound. I would have throngs fighting to come within hearing distance of me while the weakest, elbowed mercilessly to the outskirts, would cry "What did she say?" or "Oh, please ask her to tell it again." That's what I would do. Oh I could just hear myself." -Review of the books, Favorite Jokes of Famous People, by Bruce Barton; The Technique of the Love Affair by "A Gentlewoman." (Actually by Doris Langley Moore.) Review title: Wallflower's Lament; November 17, 1928.””
About This Quote
Source Review: Wallflower's Lament, November 17 1928, Review of Favorite Jokes of Famous People and The Technique of the Love Affair
A satirical lament about yearning for fame and validation while confronting societal expectations and personal insecurities.
In simple terms: Desires fame but doubts its value.
Key Takeaway
Question the pursuit of fame.
Themes
ambition
insecurity
societal pressure
Mood
melancholic
critical
Type
literary
satire
When to use this quote
- social gatherings
- career planning
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
fame
validation
self‑image
Questions to Reflect On
- What truly fulfills you beyond applause?
- How does societal pressure shape your goals?
A Different Perspective
May romanticize struggle.
