An Assyrian wax statue, effeminate, but with the vitality of twenty men.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Wilde describes an Assyrian wax statue as appearing delicate but possessing the vigor of many men.
- In plain terms
- The statue looks fragile but is very strong.
- What can you take from it?
- Appearances can be deceptive about true strength.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What does this say about judging by looks?
- How can we recognize hidden strengths?
Another view
The description is vague and may not convey a clear moral.
More from Oscar Wilde
No, I've never cared for his work. Too scented.
Permalink to quote #243 From the beginning Wilde performed his life and continued to do so even after fate had taken the plot out of his hands.
Permalink to quote #245 Work is the curse of the drinking classes.
Permalink to quote #242
Related quotes
The vessel, though her masts be firm, Beneath her copper bears a worm.
Henry David ThoreauHenry David Thoreau quote #84 She had a beaky nose, tight thin lips, and her eye could have been used for splitting logs in the teak forests of Borneo.
P. G. WodehouseP. G. Wodehouse quote #187 What life means to me is to put the content of Shelley into the form of Zola. The proletarian writer is a writer with a purpose; he thinks no more of 'art for …
Upton SinclairUpton Sinclair quote #1