Upon my honor I saw a Madonna Standing in a niche Over the door Of the prominent whore Of a prominent son of a bitch.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Parker observes religious imagery placed above a place associated with immorality. The juxtaposition highlights a stark contrast between sacred and profane.
- In plain terms
- Parker notes a Madonna statue above a house of ill repute.
- What can you take from it?
- Contrast sacred symbols with mundane reality to reveal irony.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What contrasts have you noticed in your city?
- How does this change your view of the space?
Another view
The insult may overshadow the poetic observation of contrast.
More from Dorothy Parker
If you want to know what the Lord God thinks of money, just look at those to whom he gives it.
Permalink to quote #44 How odd Of God To choose The Jews
Permalink to quote #46 When she and Clare Boothe Luce were entering a room, Clare hung back, saying, 'Age before beauty'; Dorothy entered saying 'Pearls before swine.'
Permalink to quote #43
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