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About this quote

What does it mean?
A servant sarcastically notes that schoolmastership is a common fallback for disgraced gentlemen.
In plain terms
Gentlemen who behave badly often end up teaching.
What can you take from it?
Teaching can be a refuge for those with scandals.

Where it applies

  • class commentary
  • historical fiction
  • career advice

Putting it to work

  • examine career paths
  • review hiring criteria
  • assess bias

Questions to consider

  • Why is teaching associated with disgrace?
  • How do class biases shape careers?

Another view

Many schoolmasters are highly respected and ethical.

More from Evelyn Waugh

  1. I came to the conclusion many years ago that almost all crime is due to the repressed desire for aesthetic expression.

    Permalink to quote #29
  2. I haven't been to sleep for over a year. That's why I go to bed early. One needs more rest if one doesn't sleep.

    Permalink to quote #31
  3. Instead of this absurd division into sexes they ought to class people as static and dynamic.

    Permalink to quote #28

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