Charles Dickens, the renowned English author, created memorable characters and stories during the Victorian era. This quote emphasizes the idea that joy can diminish when we are alone, which he compares to a weak flame. However, friendship acts like a comforting wing, helping laughter grow once again. The phrase ‘rosy wine’ represents sharing good experiences with loved ones, suggesting that joy is often multiplied when shared. Dickens, who faced hardship in his early life, understood the power of connection deeply. He wrote about characters who experienced both joy and suffering, teaching us that bonds with friends can enhance our happiness and lessen difficulties. The message resonates today because it highlights the importance of connection in our lives, reminding us to cherish friendships and enjoy life together. In this way, Dickens's wisdom remains timeless and valuable.
B1 · Intermediate · 135 words · ~1 min
Quote of the day · Charles Dickens · Wikiquote

Fan the sinking flame of hilarity with the wing of friendship; and pass the rosy wine.
— Charles Dickens
Word notebook · B1
Tap a highlighted word in the text, or study the list below.
- resonates
- to have a strong emotional effect
- comforting
- providing comfort or solace
- diminish
- to make or become less
- enhance
- to improve the quality or value of something
- connections
- relationships or links with people
- experience
- the knowledge or skill acquired by someone over time
- understood
- to grasp or comprehend the meaning of something
- multiply
- to increase or make something larger
Comprehension check · B1
Finished reading? See how much stuck.
1.What does the phrase 'rosy wine' represent in the quote?
2.What does Dickens compare joy to when we are alone?
3.Why is the message about friendship considered timeless?















































