"At long last Redmond Barry became a gentleman -- and that was his tragedy."
Barry Lyndon - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
It was in the reign of George III that the aforesaid personages lived and quarrelled; good or bad, handsome or ugly, rich or poor, they are all equal now.
— Epilogue Title Card
Context:
This quote appears on a title card in the film's final moments, after Barry has been maimed, exiled, and defeated. The camera shows Lady Lyndon, now older, solemnly signing an annuity check for him, solidifying his permanent removal from her life.
Meaning:
This final text encapsulates the film's central theme: the ultimate futility of human ambition, social status, and personal conflict in the face of mortality. It serves as Kubrick's philosophical conclusion, emphasizing that death is the great equalizer, rendering all worldly struggles meaningless.
Don't you think he fits my shoes very well, Your Ladyship?
— Lord Bullingdon
Context:
A young Lord Bullingdon says this to his mother, Lady Lyndon, during a gathering. He is holding his infant half-brother, Bryan, and pointedly comparing the child's legitimacy to Barry's usurped position. This is one of the earliest and most direct confrontations between stepson and stepfather.
Meaning:
This sarcastic and provocative question is a direct challenge to Barry's legitimacy. By pointing out that his own half-brother (Barry's son) is a better fit for the family's legacy, Bullingdon mocks Barry's status as an upstart and underscores that he will never truly belong to the Lyndon family.
Come, come, sir. I'm a man who would rather be known as a cuckold than a fool.
— Sir Charles Lyndon
Context:
The ailing Sir Charles Lyndon confronts Barry directly after witnessing the obvious flirtation between Barry and Lady Lyndon. He is cutting through the pretense and challenging Barry, not on moral grounds, but on the basis of being made to look foolish.
Meaning:
This line reveals Sir Charles's cynical and world-weary nature. He is fully aware of Barry's affair with his wife but is more concerned with the public appearance of being deceived than with the infidelity itself. It's a biting commentary on the superficial nature of honor and reputation in aristocratic society.
I'm not sorry. And I'll not apologize. And I'd as soon go to Dublin as to hell.
— Redmond Barry
Context:
Barry says this after throwing a drink in Captain Quin's face for his engagement to Nora. His family tries to make him apologize to the powerful English captain, but Barry refuses, leading directly to his challenge for a duel.
Meaning:
This quote, uttered by a young Barry, showcases his early defiance, pride, and romantic idealism. It establishes his rebellious character and his willingness to face any consequence for what he believes to be a matter of honor, setting the stage for his tumultuous journey.