Careless she is with artful care, Affecting to seem unaffected.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Someone who seems careless is actually trying hard to appear natural.
- In plain terms
- A person acts careless on purpose to look unaffected.
- What can you take from it?
- Seeming natural often requires effort.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can you be natural on purpose?
- Why do we perform?
Another view
It implies authenticity is impossible to achieve naturally.
More from William Congreve
Ah! Whither, whither shall I fly, A poor unhappy Maid; To hopeless Love and Misery By my own Heart betray'd?
Permalink to quote #1 Invention flags, his brain goes muddy, And black despair succeeds brown study.
Permalink to quote #3 Defer not till tomorrow to be wise, Tomorrow's sun to thee may never rise.
Permalink to quote #4
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