“How marriage ruins a man! It is as demoralizing as cigarettes, and far more expensive.”
- October 16, 1854 – November 30, 1900
- Irish
- Author, poet, playwright
- Written novels, plays, and poems such as “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” “The Importance of Being Earnest,” and “Salome,” he had a great influence on British literature in the late 19th century through his witty social criticism and humor.
Quote
“How marriage ruins a man! It is as demoralizing as cigarettes, and far more expensive.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde uses humor and irony to comment on the potentially detrimental effects of marriage. Wilde compares the effects of marriage to those of cigarettes, suggesting that just as smoking can be harmful and demoralizing, marriage—often seen as a social institution meant to bring stability—can similarly drain a man, both emotionally and financially. The line “far more expensive” further highlights his cynicism, implying that the financial cost of marriage (in terms of both material wealth and emotional energy) is far greater than the cost of smoking.
Wilde is known for his satirical view of societal norms, particularly in his commentary on relationships and marriage. He often saw marriage as a restrictive and conventional institution that limited individual freedom and creativity. This quote reflects his witty critique of marriage as something that can limit a person’s autonomy and creativity, just as other societal institutions might.
In modern contexts, this quote can be interpreted as a reflection on how traditional structures, such as marriage, can be seen as stifling or limiting in certain circumstances. It plays with the idea that marriage, often idealized as a path to happiness and stability, might, in fact, involve sacrifices—both emotional and financial—that could lead to personal dissatisfaction. Wilde’s words encourage us to question societal assumptions about marriage and commitment, and to consider how individuals navigate personal freedom within traditional frameworks.
