Skip to content

A girl is nothing to herself; only to her husband can she…

“A girl is nothing to herself; only to her husband can she become something. What can she become? I asked. Why, she said, the mother of his children. But I am not the mother of anybody's children, I said, and I am something.” quote by Alice Walker
Download Open image
““A girl is nothing to herself; only to her husband can she become something. What can she become? I asked. Why, she said, the mother of his children. But I am not the mother of anybody's children, I said, and I am something.””

Alice Walker

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Explores a woman's identity being defined by motherhood and marriage, questioning self‑worth beyond those roles.

In simple terms: Woman's identity tied to husband and motherhood.

Key Takeaway

Define self beyond relational roles.

Themes

gender identity marriage

Mood

reflective empowering

Type

feminist philosophical

When to use this quote

  • family life
  • personal growth
  • social expectations
  • literary analysis

Key Concepts

feminist theory psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What defines you beyond relationships?
  • How can society support alternative identities?
A Different Perspective

Cultural norms may resist such redefinition.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Alice Walker

Explore all 654 Alice Walker quotes

More Children quotes

Browse all 62,396 Children quotes