Apollo Quote by William Makepeace Thackeray
“If you had told Sycorax that her son Caliban was as handsome as Apollo, she would have been pleased, witch as she was.”
About This Quote
Source Play: The Tempest (Shakespeare) reference in Thackeray's novel "The History of Pendennis", 1850
The speaker suggests that praising a witch’s son as handsome would please her, highlighting how flattery works on pride.
In simple terms: Flattery can please even the proud.
Key Takeaway
Use sincere compliments wisely.
Themes
pride
flattery
relationships
Mood
playful
reflective
Type
literary
social
When to use this quote
- family dynamics
- literary analysis
- personal interactions
Key Concepts
psychology
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you used flattery effectively?
- What risks does insincere praise carry?
A Different Perspective
Flattery may backfire if perceived as insincere.
