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About this quote

What does it mean?
Crisp compares homosexual liaisons to interactions between a chorus girl and a bishop, highlighting social dynamics.
In plain terms
He describes gay relationships using a specific social analogy.
What can you take from it?
Relationships often mimic social hierarchies.

Where it applies

  • Discussing relationships
  • Social observations
  • Historical context

Putting it to work

  • Analyze relationship dynamics
  • Consider social roles

Questions to consider

  • How do social roles affect relationships?
  • Are some analogies outdated?

Another view

The analogy may be outdated or offensive to some.

More from Quentin Crisp

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  2. I was amazed to receive later a substantial sum for sitting in my room and talking about myself. If only I could get some of the back pay!

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  3. The proprietor had hair so red that pigmentation had flowed out into every visible inch of his skin and even into the pinks of his eyes, as the colour of flowe…

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