---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: First, I thought we'd already established…"
description: "\"First, I thought we'd already established that I am not a gentleman. That ship sailed long ago. And second, you'd be surprised what gentlemen do...and ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/957/sarah-maclean-1164_bourne_first-i-thought-we-d-already-established_1352320.png"
---

#  First, I thought we'd already established that I am not a…

![“First, I thought we'd already established that I am not a gentleman. That ship sailed long ago. And second, you'd be surprised what gentlemen do...and what ladies enjoy.&quot; ~Lord Bourne” quote by Sarah MacLean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/957/sarah-maclean-1164_bourne_first-i-thought-we-d-already-established_1352320.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/957/sarah-maclean-1164_bourne_first-i-thought-we-d-already-established_1352320.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/957/sarah-maclean-1164_bourne_first-i-thought-we-d-already-established_1352320.png)

> “First, I thought we'd already established that I am not a gentleman. That ship sailed long ago. And second, you'd be surprised what gentlemen do...and what ladies enjoy." ~Lord Bourne”

[Sarah MacLean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-maclean/)

## About This Quote

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

The narrator admits past misconduct, noting he is no longer a gentleman, and hints at surprising behaviors of gentlemen and ladies.

**In simple terms:** He’s not a gentleman now; gentlemen and ladies act unexpectedly.

Key Takeaway

Question assumptions about gendered behavior.

Themes

identity gender social norms humor

Mood

wry playful conversational

Type

literary dialogue

When to use this quote

- personal confession
- social commentary
- literary humor

Key Concepts

self-awareness social critique relationship dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

- What defines a gentleman today?
- Do expectations differ for men and women?

A Different Perspective

The line may reinforce stereotypes about gender roles.

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