---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I am told, on excellent authority, that…"
description: "\"“I am told, on excellent authority, that her father keeps an American dry-goods store,\" said Sir Thomas Burdon,”\" — Oscar Wilde"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/474/oscar-wilde-16_parenting_i-am-told-on-excellent-authority-that-he_2751147.jpg"
---

#  I am told, on excellent authority, that her father keeps…

![“I am told, on excellent authority, that her father keeps an American dry-goods store,&quot; said Sir Thomas Burdon,” quote by Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/474/oscar-wilde-16_parenting_i-am-told-on-excellent-authority-that-he_2751147.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/474/oscar-wilde-16_parenting_i-am-told-on-excellent-authority-that-he_2751147.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/474/oscar-wilde-16_parenting_i-am-told-on-excellent-authority-that-he_2751147.jpg)

> ““I am told, on excellent authority, that her father keeps an American dry-goods store," said Sir Thomas Burdon,””

[Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A character mentions a father’s dry‑goods store, adding social context to the dialogue.

**In simple terms:** A reference to a father’s store provides background.

Key Takeaway

Notice subtle social cues in conversation.

Themes

social class dialogue characterization

Mood

witty observational

Type

literary analytical

When to use this quote

- theatre
- literary analysis

Key Concepts

Victorian society family business

Questions to Reflect On

- What does the store imply about the character?
- How does this detail affect the plot?

A Different Perspective

Reference may be obscure to modern audiences.

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