Delicacy/Modesty

Introduction:

Like "sensibility" itself, "delicacy" has two interwoven frames of reference that complicate and enrich its significance. There is "delicacy of constitution" and "delicacy of mind," "heart," or "soul;" and each of these facets of meaning informs the other. Thus, delicacy can describe a physical sensitivity, on the one hand--an exceptional susceptiblity to stimuli from the senses--or it can indicate a sensitivity (often gendered female) to social or ethical punctilios.

The refinement inherent in "delicacy" leads it sometimes to be opposed to "vulgarity." In this way the term takes on moral and socioeconomic associations as well.

"Modesty" seems less complex, and often appears as an epiphenomenon of delicacy.

• George Cheyne, An Essay on Health and Long Life
  Cheyne comments on three types of sensibility.
• J. Donaldson, Reflections on the Harmony of Sensibility and Reason
  Draws connections between sensibility, vitality, and moral nature.
• David Hume, "Of the Standard of Taste"
  Defines delicacy in the course of his search for universal standards of judgment.
• Henry Mackenzie, Untitled Article in The Lounger, No. 20
  Attacks the sentimental novel on moral grounds.
• Hannah More, "On the Danger of Sentimental or Romantic Connexions"
  Criticizes the "sentimental girl," but praises "true" sentiment in women.
• Samuel Richardson,Clarissa
  Clarissa on Lovelace's proposal.
• Samuel Richardson, Clarissa
  Belford describes the dying Clarissa.
• Tobias Smollett, Humphry Clinker
  Why Matt Bramble affects misanthropy.
• Tobias Smollett, Humphry Clinker
  Matt Bramble's delicacy.

a dictionary of sensibility

term list

source bibliography

critical bibliography