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About this quote

What does it mean?
The English country gentleman chasing a fox is an absurd, unspeakable pursuit.
In plain terms
A gentleman hunting a fox is a ridiculous, indefensible activity.
What can you take from it?
Question outdated aristocratic pastimes.

Where it applies

  • animal‑rights discussions
  • class critique

Putting it to work

  • advocating humane sports
  • writing satire on aristocracy

Questions to consider

  • What makes this pursuit unspeakable?
  • How do modern values view such traditions?

Another view

It may romanticize a violent sport.

More from Oscar Wilde

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  3. Mrs. Allonby: They say, Lady Hunstanton, that when good Americans die they go to Paris. Lady Hunstanton: Indeed? And when bad Americans die, where do they go t…

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