Afternoon Quote by Oscar Wilde
“Lady Bracknell. Good afternoon, dear Algernon, I hope you are behaving very well. Algernon. I’m feeling very well, Aunt Augusta. Lady Bracknell. That’s not quite the same thing. In fact the two things rarely go together.”
About This Quote
Source Play: The Importance of Being Earnest, Act I, 1895
Lady Bracknell points out that being well‑behaved and feeling well are not the same, highlighting social pretensions.
In simple terms: Good behavior and feeling good are different.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the gap between appearances and reality.
Themes
social satire
class
hypocrisy
Mood
witty
critical
Type
literary
dramatic
When to use this quote
- social gatherings
- family introductions
- career interviews
- public speaking
Key Concepts
Victorian etiquette
identity performance
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you equate good manners with personal happiness?
- How do social expectations shape self‑perception?
A Different Perspective
People often conflate politeness with genuine wellbeing.
![“Jack: Actually, I was found. Lady Bracknell: Found? Jack: Uh, yes, I was in... a handbag. Lady Bracknell: A handbag? Jack: Yes, it was... [makes gestures] Jack: an ordinary handbag.” quote by Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c40/oscar-wilde-16_found_jack-actually-i-was-found-lady-bracknell_1977762.jpg)
