“She was not quite what you would call refined. She was not quite what you would call unrefined. She was the kind of person that keeps a parrot.”
- November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910
- American
- Author, humorist, and lecturer
- Wrote masterpieces such as “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” and had a major influence on American literature
Quote
“She was not quite what you would call refined. She was not quite what you would call unrefined. She was the kind of person that keeps a parrot.”
Explanation
Mark Twain’s quote humorously describes a woman who doesn’t fit neatly into social categories, blending refinement and unrefinement in a way that makes her difficult to define. The phrase “not quite what you would call refined” suggests she doesn’t adhere to the conventional standards of elegance or class that might be expected in high society. On the other hand, saying she is “not quite what you would call unrefined” indicates that she isn’t wholly lacking in sophistication or manners, but she’s not necessarily concerned with maintaining a perfect image either. The final phrase, “She was the kind of person that keeps a parrot,” adds a touch of humor, as keeping a parrot is often associated with eccentricity or unconventionality, suggesting that she embraces her quirks rather than trying to conform to any particular ideal.
Twain’s characteristic wit here is aimed at critiquing the rigidity of social expectations. In this case, the woman resists being pigeonholed into a clear, socially approved category of behavior, instead existing somewhere in between the extremes of refinement and lack of refinement. The parrot, as an unusual pet, adds a layer of individuality to her character, further reinforcing the idea that she values her authenticity over societal expectations. Twain’s humor lies in the way he describes this woman’s unique middle ground—she is neither one thing nor another, but a delightful blend of both.
In modern terms, this quote can be applied to people who reject traditional labels or embrace their individuality. In an era where personal branding and social expectations often pressure people to present themselves in a certain way, Twain’s remark encourages embracing a more complex and multi-dimensional self. The reference to keeping a parrot speaks to the idea of celebrating eccentricity and uniqueness, rather than conforming to rigid definitions of what it means to be refined or unrefined.
