Everything is dangerous, my dear fellow. If it wasn't so, life wouldn't be worth living.
Oscar WildeRead
I really don't see anything romantic in proposing. It is very romantic to be in love. But there is nothing romantic about a definite proposal. Why, one may be accepted. One usually is, I believe. Then the excitement is all over. The very essence of romance is uncertainty. If ever I get married, I'll certainly try to forget the fact.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote discusses the contrast between the excitement of love and the certainty of marriage proposals.
Oscar Wilde suggests that the romance in love lies in its uncertainty and spontaneity, while a proposal turns love into a defined contract that strips away the mystery and excitement. He implies that the very nature of romance thrives on unpredictability, and once committed through a proposal, one may lose the thrill that originally sparked the relationship.
Themes
RomanceLoveProposalUncertaintyCommitment
In practice
Example use cases
In a wedding toast, one might reference this quote to highlight the journey of a couple through uncertainty.
More from Oscar Wilde
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