"In social matters, pointless conventions are not merely the bee sting of etiquette, but the snake bite of moral order"

This quote by Florence King recommends that in social matters, conventions that have no genuine purpose can be more than simply an annoyance. They can be an indication of a bigger ethical order that must be respected. King suggests that these conventions, although seemingly meaningless, are actually crucial in preserving a sense of order and regard in society. She likens them to a bee sting, which hurts however not dangerous, and a snake bite, which can be lethal. By comparing conventions to both a bee sting and a snake bite, King is highlighting the importance of following social conventions, even if they appear meaningless. She is suggesting that if we neglect these conventions, we run the risk of disrupting the moral order of society.