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About this quote

What does it mean?
Shelley uses irony to show that polite social conversation often leads to emotional distress or death.
In plain terms
Polite small talk can actually be very painful or deadly.
What can you take from it?
Question the pain hidden behind polite social norms.

Where it applies

  • social gatherings
  • critiquing culture
  • writing satire

Putting it to work

  • identifying social pain
  • challenging norms
  • expressing irony

Questions to consider

  • What pain hides behind polite talk?
  • How do you critique culture?

Another view

It relies on hyperbole and may not reflect all social interactions.

More from Percy Bysshe Shelley

  1. Hell is a city much like London - A populous and smoky city.

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  2. I have drunken deep of joy, And I will taste no other wine tonight.

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  3. O lift me from the grass! I die! I faint! I fail! Let thy love in kisses rain On my lips and eyelids pale. My cheek is cold and white, alas! My heart beats lou…

    Permalink to quote #30

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