Wendy, Wendy, when you are sleeping in your silly bed you might be flying about with me saying funny things to the stars.
Build a house?" exclaimed John. "For the Wendy," said Curly. "For Wendy?" John said, aghast. "Why, she is only a girl!" "That," explained Curly, "is why we are her servants.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the value of serving and caring for others, regardless of their gender or status.
In this quote from James M. Barrie, the characters Curly and John discuss the importance of building a house for Wendy, who is referred to as 'only a girl.' Curly's response emphasizes the idea that service and dedication to others, especially those who may be perceived as vulnerable or less powerful, are noble acts. It suggests that one's worth is not defined by their gender but by the love and respect shown towards them, reinforcing the importance of nurturing and supporting relationships.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about community service, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of helping those in need.
More from James M. Barrie
All quotes βHis lordship may compel us to be equal upstairs, but there will never be equality in the servants' hall.
The secret of happiness is not in doing what one likes, but in liking what one does.
Never ascribe to an opponent motives meaner than your own.
It was then that Hook bit him. Not the pain of this but its unfairness was what dazed Peter. It made him quite helpless. He could only stare, horrified. Every child is affected thus the first time he is treated unfairly. All he thinks he has a right to when he comes to you to be yours is fairness. After you have been unfair to him he will love you again, but he will never afterwards be quite the same boy. No one ever gets over the first unfairness; no one except Peter.
But the years came and went without bringing the careless boy; and when they met again Wendy was a married woman, and Peter was no more to her than a little dust in the box in which she had kept her toys.
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To marry a fool is to be no fool.