Meaning: This quote by W. Maugham, the renowned English playwright, humorously alludes to the social norms and taboos of the Victorian Era. The Victorian Era, which lasted from 1837 to 1901 during the reign of Queen Victoria, was characterized by strict moral codes and societal expectations, particularly regarding matters of sexuality and reproduction. In this quote, Maugham cleverly references the use of asterisks to censor or obscure explicit content, suggesting that in the past, the appearance of asterisks in written works often foreshadowed the arrival of a baby within a certain interval.

During the Victorian Era, discussions of sexuality and childbirth were largely considered taboo and were not openly addressed in polite society. This led to a culture of discretion and concealment, where euphemisms and veiled references were often employed to address such topics. The use of asterisks to obscure potentially sensitive or scandalous information in literature and other forms of communication reflects this broader societal tendency to avoid direct and explicit discussions of reproductive matters.

Maugham's wry observation highlights the contrast between the social mores of the Victorian Era and the more open attitudes towards sexuality and reproduction that emerged in the modern era. By humorously suggesting that asterisks were once followed by the inevitable arrival of a baby, Maugham underscores the absurdity and prudishness of the Victorian mindset regarding these matters.

In addition to its comedic undertones, the quote also serves as a commentary on the evolution of societal attitudes and norms. The Victorian Era was characterized by a rigid adherence to traditional values and a strict code of conduct, particularly in matters related to family, marriage, and reproduction. The use of euphemisms and censorship to avoid explicit discussions of these topics reflects the prevailing desire to maintain a facade of propriety and respectability.

As societal attitudes shifted in the decades following the Victorian Era, there was a gradual loosening of the constraints that had previously governed discussions of sexuality and childbirth. The emergence of more open and candid dialogue about these topics reflected broader social changes and a rejection of the repressive attitudes of the past. Maugham's quote captures this shift in a lighthearted and satirical manner, highlighting the absurdity of the earlier era's reluctance to address the realities of human reproduction.

Overall, W. Maugham's quote provides a thought-provoking and humorous commentary on the societal norms and taboos of the Victorian Era. It sheds light on the repressive attitudes towards sexuality and reproduction that characterized the period, while also serving as a reminder of the progress that has been made in fostering more open and honest discussions about these fundamental aspects of human experience.