William Makepeace Thackeray
William Makepeace Thackeray
William Makepeace Thackeraywas an English novelist of the 19th century. He is famous for his satirical works, particularly Vanity Fair, a panoramic portrait of English society...
NationalityEnglish
ProfessionNovelist
Date of Birth18 July 1811
mistress affection easy
It is comparatively easy to leave a mistress, but very hard to be left by one.
cheating fall men
Who has not remarked the readiness with which the closest of friends and honestest of men suspect and accuse each other of cheating when they fall out on money matters? Everybody does it. Everybody is right, I suppose, and the world is a rogue.
half sauce fine-words
Who was the blundering idiot who said 'fine words butter no parsnips'? Half the parsnips of society are served and rendered palatable with no other sauce.
cutting body bread
Charlotte, having seen his body Borne before her on a shutter, Like a well-conducted person, Went on cutting bread and butter.
society impossible sometimes
It is impossible, in our condition of Society, not to be sometimes a Snob.
flower heaven grace
A good woman is the loveliest flower that blooms under heaven; and we look with love and wonder upon its silent grace, its pure fragrance, its delicate bloom of beauty.
running home winning
As an occupation in declining years, I declare I think saving is useful, amusing and not unbecoming. It must be a perpetual amusement. It is a game that can be played by day, by night, at home and abroad, and at which you must win in the long run. . . . What an interest it imparts to life!.
calling poverty wealth
You, who are ashamed of your poverty, and blush for your calling, are a snob; as are you who boast of your wealth.
levels lessons calamity
It is from the level of calamities, not that of every-day life, that we learn impressive and useful lessons.
hypocrite deceit
The best of women are hypocrites.
sports destiny alas
Alas! we are the sport of destiny.
ears cotton stuff
He that has ears to hear, let him stuff them with cotton.
heart favour lavender
What woman, however old, has not the bridal-favours and raiment stowed away, and packed in lavender, in the inmost cupboards of her heart?
wise men fool
If thou hast never been a fool, be sure thou wilt never be a wise man.