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Copies Quote by Oscar Wilde

“Do you really keep a diary? I'd give anything to look at it. May I? Oh, no. You see, it is simply a very young girl's record of her own thoughts and impressions, and consequently meant for publication. When it appears in volume form I hope you will order a copy.” quote by Oscar Wilde
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“Do you really keep a diary? I'd give anything to look at it. May I? Oh, no. You see, it is simply a very young girl's record of her own thoughts and impressions, and consequently meant for publication. When it appears in volume form I hope you will order a copy.”

Oscar Wilde

About This Quote

Source Play: The Importance of Being Earnest, 1895

The narrator questions the value of keeping a diary, yearning to read a young girl's private thoughts, hinting at secrecy and desire for intimacy.

In simple terms: He wonders about reading a girl's private diary and longs for it.

Key Takeaway

Respect privacy while satisfying curiosity.

Themes

privacy curiosity intimacy literature secrecy

Mood

reflective conflicted

Type

literary ethical

When to use this quote

  • reading clubs
  • creative writing
  • personal journaling
  • literary analysis

Key Concepts

ethics psychology authorial voice

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is it appropriate to read someone else's diary?
  • How does secrecy shape personal expression?
A Different Perspective

The desire to read private thoughts can breach trust.

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