“To lose one parent may be regarded as a misfortune—to lose both seems like carelessness.”
- Date
- 1895
- Attribution
- Source identified
- Voice / speaker
- Fictional character · Lady Bracknell
What does this quote mean?
Lady Bracknell’s absurdly bureaucratic response turns tragedy into a social failing, which is funny because her concern for status overwhelms ordinary sympathy.
Where does it come from?
The Importance of Being Earnest, Act 1; Lady Bracknell reacts to Jack’s uncertain parentage.
Who voices the line?
Fictional character · Lady Bracknell. The Importance of Being Earnest, Act 1; Lady Bracknell reacts to Jack’s uncertain parentage. v4.93 stores the local voice separately from the bibliographic work author.
The source author and the local speaker can be different, especially in fiction, drama, dialogue and poetry.
How should this attribution be read?
This wording is connected with the named source shown above. Translations and editions can vary, so consult the source note when exact wording matters.