... [a] girl one day flared out and told the principal…
![“... [a] girl one day flared out and told the principal "the only mission opening before a girl in his school was to marry one of those candidates [for the ministry]." He said he didn't know but it was. And when at last that same girl announced her desire and intention to go to college it was…” quote by Anna Julia Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/8bd/anna-julia-cooper-14164_arcs_a-girl-one-day-flared-out-and-told-the-p_594696.jpg)
“... [a] girl one day flared out and told the principal "the only mission opening before a girl in his school was to marry one of those candidates [for the ministry]." He said he didn't know but it was. And when at last that same girl announced her desire and intention to go to college it was received with about the same incredulity and dismay as if a brass button on one of those candidate's coats had propounded a new method for squaring the circle or trisecting the arc.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Societal expectations limited women's roles to marriage, dismissing ambitions like education as absurd.
In simple terms: Women were expected to marry, not pursue careers or education.
Key Takeaway
Challenge gender norms and support women's education.
Themes
gender roles
education
women's rights
social expectations
Mood
frustrated
hopeful
Type
advocacy
inspirational
When to use this quote
- school policies
- college admissions
- career counseling
- family discussions
Key Concepts
patriarchy
empowerment
systemic bias
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we reshape expectations for women?
- What barriers still exist for women's education?
A Different Perspective
Progress can be slow and met with resistance.