Her modest looks the cottage might adorn, Sweet as the primrose peeps beneath the thorn.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Her modest appearance was very fitting for a simple cottage, beautiful like a wild flower growing near a thorn.
- In plain terms
- She looked modest and pretty, like a flower in a simple place.
- What can you take from it?
- Modesty can be beautiful in humble settings.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do we associate flowers with beauty?
- Is modesty always attractive?
Another view
Beauty is subjective and context matters.
More from Oliver Goldsmith
And, ev'n while fashion's brightest arts decoy, The heart distrusting asks, if this be joy.
Permalink to quote #66 Thou source of all my bliss, and all my woe, That found'st me poor at first, and keep'st me so.
Permalink to quote #68 To me more dear, congenial to my heart, One native charm, than all the gloss of art.
Permalink to quote #65
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