The home seems to me to be the proper sphere for the man. And certainly once a man begins to neglect his domestic duties he becomes painfully effeminate, does he not?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Wilde suggests that a man’s proper place is the home, and neglecting domestic duties makes him weak.
- In plain terms
- A man should focus on home duties or he becomes weak.
- What can you take from it?
- Prioritize domestic responsibilities.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why is domestic work linked to masculinity?
- Can neglecting home duties really affect character?
Another view
It reinforces traditional gender expectations.
More from Oscar Wilde
I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train.
Permalink to quote #163 I hope you're not leading a double life, pretending to be wicked while being really good all the time. That would be hypocrisy.
Permalink to quote #165 When a man does exactly what a woman expects him to do she doesn't think much of him. One should always do what a woman doesn't expect, just as one should say …
Permalink to quote #162
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