Meaning: The quote "I understand that absinthe makes the tart grow fonder" is a playful and clever play on the traditional saying "absence makes the heart grow fonder." The original saying refers to the idea that being apart from someone or something can increase one's affection or appreciation for it. However, in this case, the word "absinthe" is substituted for "absence," and "tart" is substituted for "heart," creating a humorous and slightly irreverent twist.

Ernest Dowson, the poet credited with this quote, was a 19th-century English poet and writer associated with the Decadent movement, a literary and artistic movement that rejected Victorian moral and social norms in favor of indulgence, sensuality, and aestheticism. The Decadents often sought to challenge conventional ideas about love, beauty, and pleasure, and Dowson's quote reflects this subversive and unconventional approach to language and expression.

The word "absinthe" in the quote refers to a highly alcoholic, anise-flavored spirit that is often associated with the bohemian and artistic subcultures of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Absinthe was known for its strong, sometimes hallucinogenic effects, and it became a symbol of artistic rebellion and excess during this period. By using "absinthe" in place of "absence," Dowson's quote suggests a playful and somewhat decadent reinterpretation of the original saying, incorporating the idea of intoxication and indulgence into the familiar phrase.

The substitution of "tart" for "heart" in the quote adds an additional layer of wordplay and meaning. The word "tart" can refer to a type of dessert, typically a sweet and often indulgent pastry, as well as to a woman perceived as sexually promiscuous or provocative. This dual meaning allows for a clever and ambiguous interpretation of the quote, adding to its playful and subversive nature.

In a broader sense, the quote can be seen as a reflection of the Decadent movement's preoccupation with pleasure, desire, and the rejection of conventional morality. By altering a well-known saying in this way, Dowson invites the reader to reconsider the conventional wisdom and to embrace a more unconventional and perhaps hedonistic perspective. The quote challenges the traditional notion of longing and affection, replacing it with a more provocative and indulgent sentiment.

Overall, Dowson's quote "I understand that absinthe makes the tart grow fonder" captures the spirit of the Decadent movement through its playful wordplay, its association with indulgence and excess, and its subversive reinterpretation of a familiar saying. The quote invites the reader to question conventional wisdom and embrace a more unconventional and pleasure-seeking approach to life and love.