In "The Wapshot Chronicle," Mrs. Wapshot often engages in discussions filled with puns and clichés, suggesting a humorous yet questionable perspective on morality and decorum. Her remark about napkins being "more holy than righteous" encapsulates her tendency to blend wit with deeper meanings, characteristic of her conversational style at the dining table.

This clever turn of phrase highlights the habitual nature of her conversations, as she frequently recycles familiar expressions and humorous observations. Cheever's depiction of Mrs. Wapshot not only entertains but also prompts readers to reflect on the nature of righteousness and the absurdity inherent in social rituals.