"My heart is as pure as the driven slush"

The quote "My heart is as pure as the driven slush" by Tallulah Bankhead is a witty and rather sardonic play on the more conventional saying, "pure as the driven snow". To fully value this expression, it's necessary to think about both the context and the deliberate subversion utilized by Bankhead.

Firstly, the initial phrase, "pure as the driven snow", is frequently utilized to describe someone who is entirely innocent or ethically upright. Snow, particularly when freshly fallen, is emblematic of purity and untarnished charm. It's pristine, unblemished, and stimulates a sense of newness and incorruptibility.

Bankhead's choice to replace "snow" with "slush" introduces a layer of irony and humor. Slush is what snow becomes when it starts to melt; it's an unpleasant mix of water and snow that's far from tidy or pure. By explaining her heart as "driven slush", Bankhead skillfully suggests the opposite of pristineness and innocence.

This amusing remark shows her track record as a sharp, irreverent wit who typically defied social expectations. The phrase ends up being a self-deprecating and amusing commentary on her own character. It recommends self-awareness, acknowledging her imperfections and complex nature in a world that may have expected her to predict a picture of flawless virtue. It's an honest admission that lines up with her strong character.

Furthermore, Bankhead's option of words indicates a rejection of false pretenses and a welcome of credibility, even if that means admitting to being non-traditional or flawed. It's an expression of individuality that resonates with those who are perhaps weary of shallow judgments and who value honesty about human imperfection.

In a broader sense, this quote speaks to the complexities of human nature. It acknowledges that people are not easily classified; they can be both good and problematic, pure in intent yet imperfect in action. Ultimately, Bankhead's playful twist on a familiar idiom ends up being an effective tip of the charm found in credibility and self-acceptance.