Quote by John Fowles
““I am Mrs. Poulteney. I have come to take up residence. Kindly inform your Master." "His Infinitude has been informed of your decease, ma'am. His angels have already sung a Jubilate in celebration of the event." "That is most proper and kind of Him." And the worthy lady, pluming and swelling, made to sweep into the imposing white hall she saw beyond the butler's head. But the man did not move aside. Instead, he rather impertinently jangled some keys he chanced to have in his hand. "My man! Make way. I am she. Mrs. Poulteney of Lyme Regis." "Formerly of Lyme Regis, ma'am. And now of a much more tropical abode." With that, the brutal flunkey slammed the door in her face.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The French Lieutenant's Woman, 1969
A pompous lady confronts death with absurdity, while a servant reacts with cruelty, highlighting class and mortality.
In simple terms: A haughty lady meets death; a cruel servant blocks her.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the futility of pretentiousness.
Themes
class
mortality
absurdity
Mood
ironic
darkly comedic
Type
literary
satirical
When to use this quote
- funeral
- social gathering
- power dynamics
Key Concepts
social hierarchy
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the lady’s insistence reveal about dignity?
- How does the servant’s cruelty reflect societal power?
A Different Perspective
The humor masks deeper tragedy of class oppression.
