Skip to content

Beast Quote by Thomas Hardy

“Dialect words are those terrible marks of the beast to the truly genteel.” quote by Thomas Hardy
Download Open image
“Dialect words are those terrible marks of the beast to the truly genteel.”

Thomas Hardy

About This Quote

Source Novel: Tess of the d'Urbervilles, 1891

Refined society uses harsh language as a marker of superiority, revealing underlying cruelty.

In simple terms: Polite speech can hide contempt.

Key Takeaway

Recognize disguised aggression.

Themes

class language social critique

Mood

reflective critical

Type

literary analytical

When to use this quote

  • literary analysis
  • social commentary
  • historical studies
  • modern media

Key Concepts

elitism communication power dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does language reflect class?
  • What modern equivalents exist?
A Different Perspective

Politeness may be genuine, not always a mask.

2.7 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Thomas Hardy

Explore all 561 Thomas Hardy quotes

More Beast quotes

Browse all 1,640 Beast quotes