Anyone could tell us two writers shouldn’t be together. Or…
““Anyone could tell us two writers shouldn’t be together. Or rather, that a competitive American shouldn’t be with a woman who has written a book.”“That’s right,”he said. “It’s a challenge to my sexual superiority, and that isn’t a joke.”“I know it isn’t. But please don’t give me any more of your pompous socialist lectures about the equality of men and women.”“I shall probably give you pompous lectures because I enjoy it. But I won’t believe in them myself. The truth is, I resent you for having written a book which was a success. And I’ve come to the conclusion I’ve always been a hypocrite, and in fact I enjoy a society where women are second-class citizens, I enjoy being boss and being flattered.”“Good,”I said. “Because in a society where not one man in ten thousand begins to understand the ways in which women are second-class citizens, we have to rely for company on the men who are at least not hypocrites.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A man expresses envy and superiority toward a successful female writer, revealing deep misogyny and hypocrisy.
In simple terms: He admits to resenting a woman's success and feeling superior.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge gender bias.
Themes
gender
hypogyny
hypocrisy
power dynamics
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
literary
dialogue
When to use this quote
- literary criticism
- gender studies seminars
- personal reflection on bias
Key Concepts
male entitlement
social critique
literary dialogue
Questions to Reflect On
- What underlying insecurities drive his resentment?
- How can societies confront such hidden misogyny?
A Different Perspective
The dialogue may exaggerate for dramatic effect, not reflecting real attitudes.