Copies Quote by William Congreve
“Mr Witwould: "Pray, madam, do you pin up your hair with all your letters? I find I must keep copies." Mrs Millamant: "Only with those in verse… I never pin up my hair with prose."”
About This Quote
A witty exchange highlighting the distinction between poetic and prose expression, suggesting that only verse is worthy of adornment.
In simple terms: Contrast between poetry and prose
Key Takeaway
Poetry is elevated over prose
Themes
literary wit
gender roles
social etiquette
artistic hierarchy
language play
Mood
playful
ironic
sophisticated
Type
dialogue
witty retort
When to use this quote
- literary salons
- courtship conversations
- artistic debates
- social gatherings
Key Concepts
poetry vs prose
social performance
feminine expression
cultural norms
Practical Applications
- creative writing workshops
- literary criticism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does form influence perceived value?
- What does this reveal about gendered expectations in language?
