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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker views society as an alluring but potentially superficial partner.
In plain terms
The author sees society as a beautiful but flashy partner.
What can you take from it?
Society can be attractive but may lack depth.

Where it applies

  • social critique
  • personal relationships
  • city life

Putting it to work

  • evaluate social connections
  • look beyond appearances
  • understand societal pressure

Questions to consider

  • Does society captivate you or distract you?
  • What makes a partnership genuine versus glittering?

Another view

Society can also provide genuine support and community.

More from William Wordsworth

  1. The intellectual power, through words and things, Went sounding on, a dim and perilous way!

    Permalink to quote #178
  2. For by superior energies; more strict Affiance in each other; faith more firm In their unhallowed principles; the bad Have fairly earned a victory o'er the wea…

    Permalink to quote #180
  3. Wrongs unredressed, or insults unavenged.

    Permalink to quote #177

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