Anointing Quote by William Makepeace Thackeray
“Where is truth, forsooth, and who knoweth it? Is Beauty beautiful, or is it only our eyes that make it so? Does Venus squint? Has she got a splay-foot, red hair, and a crooked back? Anoint my eyes, good Fairy Puck, so that I may ever consider the Beloved Object a paragon! Above all, keep on anointing my mistress's dainty peepers with the very strongest ointment, so that my noddle may ever appear lovely to her, and that she may continue to crown my honest ears with fresh roses!”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Vanity Fair, 1848
The speaker whimsically asks for divine assistance to perceive beauty as flawless, using exaggerated imagery to satirize the pursuit of idealized love and appearance.
In simple terms: Seeking magical help to see love as perfect.
Key Takeaway
Accept imperfections in love and beauty.
Themes
beauty
love
illusion
satire
mythology
self‑image
Mood
playful
critical
ironic
Type
satirical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- courtship advice
- self‑esteem workshops
- art criticism
- creative writing exercises
Key Concepts
Romantic idealism
self‑deception
literary parody
mythic symbolism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does idealizing beauty affect relationships?
- What does the “Fairy Puck” symbolize in this context?
A Different Perspective
Relying on external validation can be unrealistic and harmful.
