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Woman makes half the sorrows which she boasts the…

“Woman makes half the sorrows which she boasts the privilege to sooth. Woman consoles us, it is true, while we are young and handsome; when we are old and ugly, woman snubs and scolds us. On the whole, then, woman in this scale, the weed in that. Jupiter! Hang out thy balance, and weigh them both…” quote by Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton
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“Woman makes half the sorrows which she boasts the privilege to sooth. Woman consoles us, it is true, while we are young and handsome; when we are old and ugly, woman snubs and scolds us. On the whole, then, woman in this scale, the weed in that. Jupiter! Hang out thy balance, and weigh them both; and if thou give the preference to woman, all I can say is, the next time Juno ruffles thee, O Jupiter, try the weed.”

Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton

About This Quote

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

Women are portrayed as sources of both comfort and trouble, reflecting the speaker’s conflicted view of gender.

In simple terms: Women bring joy and sorrow alike.

Key Takeaway

Recognize dualities in relationships.

Themes

gender relationships dualism

Mood

critical contemplative

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • marriage
  • friendship
  • aging
  • self‑reflection

Key Concepts

stereotype human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance appreciation and criticism of a group?
  • What experiences shape your perception of gender?
A Different Perspective

The view is dated and sexist; modern readers may reject it.

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