They dream in courtship, but in wedlock wake.

In this quote, Alexander Pope reflects on the idealized nature of courtship versus the reality of marriage. He suggests that during the courtship phase, individuals are often caught up in the excitement and dreams of love, imagining an ideal future with their partner. However, once married, the fantasy fades, and the realities of wedlock set in. Pope is pointing out the contrast between the romanticized vision of love and the often more mundane or challenging aspects of married life.

Pope's words also imply that courtship is filled with hope, desire, and expectations, while wedlock often brings the need for compromise, responsibility, and routine. The phrase "wake" suggests that the excitement of romance dissipates, and couples face the practicalities of life together, which may not always live up to the dreams they had during the earlier stages of their relationship. In this way, the quote highlights the transition from idealism to realism in relationships.

As part of his satirical work in The Rape of the Lock and other writings, Pope often examined the nature of human relationships, using humor and irony to explore the gap between idealized behaviors and the realities of life. This quote reflects his belief that human nature often involves a shift from dreams to the practicalities of daily life, which can sometimes lead to disappointment or a loss of the earlier excitement.

Ultimately, Pope’s quote offers a critical yet humorous perspective on marriage, acknowledging the shift from the dreamy, carefree days of courtship to the more grounded, sometimes difficult realities of married life. It serves as a reminder that while romantic love can be filled with idealism, marriage often requires effort, adjustment, and the acceptance of imperfections in both oneself and one’s partner.