If, with the literate, I am Impelled to try an epigram, I never seek to take the credit; We all assume that Oscar said it.
Attribution disputed; shown as originally published.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Wilde says he writes epigrams without seeking credit, assuming people will attribute them to Oscar.
- In plain terms
- He writes witty lines but expects others to think Oscar wrote them.
- What can you take from it?
- A good line can become detached from its author.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do we attribute clever sayings to famous names?
- What does this say about fame?
Another view
It may mislead readers about original sources.
More from Oscar Wilde
That sovereign of insufferables, Oscar Wilde has ensued with his opulence of twaddle and his penury of sense. He has mounted his hind legs and blown crass vapi…
Permalink to quote #247 The same lesson [of the pessimistic pleasure-seeker] was taught by the very powerful and very desolate philosophy of Oscar Wilde. It is the carpe diem religion…
Permalink to quote #249 What has Oscar in common with Art? except that he dines at our tables and picks from our platter the plums for the puddings he peddles in the provinces.
Permalink to quote #246
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