Beats Quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald
“There used to be two kinds of kisses: First when girls were kissed and deserted; second, when they were engaged. Now there's a third kind, where the man is kissed and deserted. If Mr. Jones of the nineties bragged he'd kissed a girl, everyone knew he was through with her. If Mr. Jones of 1919 brags the same, everyone knows it's because he can't kiss her any more. Given a decent start any girl can beat a man nowadays.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Great Gatsby, 1925
The quote humorously contrasts past and present romantic dynamics, noting how men’s reputations shift with changing social norms.
In simple terms: Men’s reputation changes with how they treat women.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how social expectations affect relationships.
Themes
romance
social change
gender roles
Mood
wry
reflective
Type
satirical
observational
When to use this quote
- dating
- social reputation
- gender expectations
- historical comparison
Key Concepts
sociology
humor
cultural critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How do modern dating norms affect reputation?
- What does this say about gender expectations?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify complex social shifts; not all men fit these patterns.
