The comic spirit is given to us in order that we may analyze, weigh, and clarify things in us which nettle us, or which we are outgrowing, or trying to reshape
Thornton WilderRead
A man looks pretty small at a wedding, George. All those good women standing shoulder to shoulder, making sure that the knot's tied in a mighty public way.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote implies that weddings highlight the collective support of women in unifying a couple's commitment.
Thornton Wilder's quote reflects on the significance of a wedding ceremony, emphasizing how it serves as a public affirmation of love and commitment. The imagery of 'good women standing shoulder to shoulder' illustrates the role of the community in supporting the couple, as well as portraying the man as seemingly diminished in contrast to the powerful collective presence of women. This suggests that weddings are not just individual events but are steeped in cultural and communal importance.
Themes
WeddingCommunityCommitmentSupportLove
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared during a wedding toast to emphasize the importance of community in a marriage.
More from Thornton Wilder
All quotes →Good-by, Good-by, world. Good-by, Grover's Corners... Mama and Papa. Good-by to clocks ticking... and Mama's sunflowers. And food and coffee. And new-ironed dresses and hot baths...and sleeping and waking up. Oh, earth, you're too wonderful for anybody to realize you.
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When you're safe at home you wish you were having an adventure; when you're having an adventure you wish you were safe at home.
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Many great writers have been extraordinarily awkward in daily exchange, but the greatest give the impression that their style was nursed by the closest attention to colloquial speech.
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I want you to try and remember what it was like to have been very young. And particularly the days when you were first in love; when you were like a person sleepwalking, and you didn’t quite see the street you were in, and didn’t quite hear everything that was said to you. You’re just a little bit crazy. Will you remember that, please?
Thornton WilderRead
I didn't marry you because you were perfect. I didn't even marry you because I loved you. I married you because you gave me a promise. That promise made up for your faults. And the promise I gave you made up for mine. Two imperfect people got married and it was the promise that made the marriage. And when our children were growing up, it wasn't a house that protected them; and it wasn't our love that protected them--it was that promise.
Thornton WilderRead
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