Observe this, that tho a woman swear, forswear, lie…
“Observe this, that tho a woman swear, forswear, lie, dissemble, back-bite, be proud, vain, malicious, anything, if she secures the main chance, she's still virtuous; that's a maxim.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Even a woman who commits many vices can be considered virtuous if she seizes a crucial opportunity.
In simple terms: Virtue can coexist with vice.
Key Takeaway
Opportunity can redeem character.
Themes
morality
gender
opportunity
Mood
ironic
critical
Type
dramatic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career advancement
- political maneuvering
- personal reputation
Key Concepts
ethical relativism
social perception
Questions to Reflect On
- Is virtue defined by actions or outcomes?
- How does gender affect moral judgment?
A Different Perspective
Moral judgments are context‑dependent and may be biased.