Famous quote by Christopher Hampton

"To seduce a woman famous for strict morals, religious fervor and the happiness of her marriage: what could possibly be more prestigious?"

About this Quote

Christopher Hampton proposes a provocative juxtaposition of various values - seduction, strict morals, religious fervor, marital happiness, and prestige. The woman described in his statement is reputable for her adherence to principle, devotion to her faith, and the joy she finds in her married life. These attributes typically engender respect and admiration, but instead, Hampton suggests an objective that infringes upon her honour - seduction.

Seduction is often seen as an act of persuasion or enticement, frequently leaning towards manipulation. When juxtaposed against values of strict morals and religious fervor, it may be viewed as a clear violation of the woman's established principles and strong faith. The inclusion of seduction as the primary objective therefore brings into sharp relief a deeply ingrained societal fascination with the fallibility of virtue. It contests the strength of morals and faith under the pressure of temptation, presenting a challenge to arguably impenetrable shields of virtue.

Implicit in the scenario is an apparent disregard for one very significant aspect of the woman’s life - her happy marriage. Ignoring or undermining her marital happiness insinuates an assumed superiority or the thrill of competition, as if winning over the woman would signify a triumphant feat. Such an attitude discloses a romantically predatory predisposition, criticizing the societal tendency to prioritize personal conquest over respect for others' commitments.

The invocation of 'prestige' at the end of the statement ironically emphasizes the perceived glory in persuading a virtuous woman away from her established life path. It could be interpreted as a critique of the societal norms that often reward manipulative or intrusive behavior with admiration or respect. This sadistic idea of prestige presents a powerful social commentary, challenging the reader’s own stance on conception of morality and societal norms.

In essence, Hampton's words unfurl to reveal a complex, morally charged scenario that comments on contemporary social norms and issues, from the resilience of individual principles to the societal glorification of seduction. It suggests an exploration of the human capacity for corruption, and the prizing of personal conquest over respect for individual freedom and choices.

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TagsFamousHappinessReligiousWoman

About the Author

United Kingdom Flag This quote is written / told by Christopher Hampton somewhere between January 26, 1946 and today. He/she was a famous Playwright from United Kingdom. The author also have 7 other quotes.
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