Humorous Quote by Richard Brinsley Sheridan
““SNEER. But, what the deuce, is the confidante to be mad too? PUFF. To be sure she is. The confidante is always to do whatever her mistress does- weep when she weeps, smile when she smiles, go mad when she goes mad.-Now, Madam Confidante! But keep your madness in the background, if you please.””
About This Quote
Source Play: The Rivals, 1775
A confidante must mirror her mistress’s emotions, but keep her own madness hidden.
In simple terms: A friend copies emotions but hides her own instability.
Key Takeaway
Support others while managing personal turmoil.
Themes
friendship
emotional mirroring
self‑control
masquerade
Mood
dramatic
ironic
Type
satire
dialogue
When to use this quote
- theatre performance
- personal relationships
- mental health discussions
Key Concepts
identity
psychology
social roles
Questions to Reflect On
- When does empathy become self‑loss?
- How to balance loyalty with self‑preservation?
A Different Perspective
Mirroring can blur personal boundaries.
