Children Quote by E. Nesbit
““She had been to her Great-Aunt Willoughby’s before, and she knew exactly what to expect. She would be asked about her lessons, and how many marks she had, and whether she had been a good girl. I can’t think why grownup people don’t see how impertinent these questions are. Suppose you were to answer: “I’m the top of my class, auntie, thank you, and I am very good. And now let us have a little talk about you, aunt, dear. How much money have you got, and have you been scolding the servants again, or have you tried to be good and patient, as a properly brought up aunt should be, eh, dear?” Try this method with one of your aunts next time she begins asking you questions, and write and tell me what she says.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Railway Children by E. Nesbit, 1906
The narrator mocks intrusive, judgmental questioning by relatives, urging a bold, sarcastic reversal to expose their hypocrisy.
In simple terms: Challenge nosy relatives with witty sarcasm.
Key Takeaway
Turn the tables with humor.
Themes
family dynamics
social critique
humor
Mood
playful
defiant
Type
satirical
conversational
When to use this quote
- family gatherings
- school meetings
- interviews
- social events
Key Concepts
power dynamics
social expectations
rebellion
Questions to Reflect On
- How would you respond to invasive questions?
- What are the risks of using sarcasm?
A Different Perspective
Sarcasm may damage relationships if overused.
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