Allusion Quote by Horace Walpole
“A tragedy can never suffer by delay: a comedy may, because the allusions or the manners represented in it maybe temporary.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Castle of Otranto, 1764
Delays can ruin tragedy, but comedy can survive because its references may be fleeting.
In simple terms: Tragedy needs timely relevance; comedy can be timeless.
Key Takeaway
Consider timing when crafting serious works.
Themes
theatre
timing
relevance
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
literary
critical
When to use this quote
- playwriting
- film scripts
- stand‑up comedy
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
dramatic structure
cultural context
Questions to Reflect On
- How does timing affect audience reception?
- Can comedy stay relevant without updating references?
A Different Perspective
Comedy can lose impact if references become outdated.
![“René of Anjou [(1409-80)] painted a picture of his mistress's corpse as he found it eaten by worms on having it [her tomb] openedon his return from a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. This [is] another instance of the strange mixture of religion and gallantry in those ages.” quote by Horace Walpole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aba/horace-walpole-3357_age_ren-of-anjou-1409-80-painted-a-picture-o_33917.jpg)
