Friendship Quote by William Makepeace Thackeray
““... I regularly frequent St. George';s, Hanover Square, during the genteel marriage season; and though I have never seen the bridegroom's male friends give way to tears, or the beadles and officiating clergy in any way affected, yet it is not at all uncommon to see women who are not in the least concerned in the operations going on -- old ladies who are long past marrying, stout middle-aged females with plenty of sons and daughters, let alone pretty young creatures in pink bonnets, who are on their promotion, and may naturally taken an interest in the ceremony -- I say it is quite common to see the women present piping, sobbing, sniffling; hiding their little faces in their little useless pocket-handkerchiefs; and heaving, old and young, with emotion.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Vanity Fair, 1848
He observes that women of all ages, even those not directly involved, often display strong emotions at weddings, showing societal expectations of sentiment.
In simple terms: Women, regardless of age, often get emotional at weddings.
Key Takeaway
Recognize social rituals shape emotional expression.
Themes
society
ritual
emotion
gender roles
Mood
observational
nostalgic
Type
literary
social commentary
When to use this quote
- Wedding ceremonies
- social gatherings
- family events
Key Concepts
Victorian norms
public display of feeling
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do people feel compelled to display emotions publicly?
- How do age and status affect emotional expression?
A Different Perspective
May generalize across cultures.
