Skip to content

Now listen carefully: Marriage, to me, is not a chain but…

“Now listen carefully: Marriage, to me, is not a chain but an association. I must be free, entirely unfettered, in all my actions--my coming and my going; I can tolerate neither control, jealousy, nor criticism as to my conduct. I pledge my word, however, never to compromise the name of the man I…” quote by Guy de Maupassant
Download Open image
““Now listen carefully: Marriage, to me, is not a chain but an association. I must be free, entirely unfettered, in all my actions--my coming and my going; I can tolerate neither control, jealousy, nor criticism as to my conduct. I pledge my word, however, never to compromise the name of the man I marry, nor to render him ridiculous in the eyes of the world. But that man must promise to look upon me as an equal, an ally, and not as an inferior, or as an obedient, submissive wife. My ideas, I know, are not like those of other people, but I shall never change them.””

Guy de Maupassant

About This Quote

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

Marriage should be a partnership of equals, free from control, jealousy, and criticism.

In simple terms: Equality in marriage.

Key Takeaway

Seek mutual respect and freedom.

Themes

marriage equality freedom partnership

Mood

intimate reflective

Type

relationship philosophical

When to use this quote

  • relationship counseling
  • marriage vows
  • cohabitation agreements
  • personal boundaries

Key Concepts

gender roles relationship dynamics personal autonomy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you negotiate equality in a partnership?
  • What boundaries protect personal autonomy?
A Different Perspective

Ideal may clash with societal expectations.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Guy de Maupassant

Explore all 189 Guy de Maupassant quotes

More Bel-ami quotes

Browse all 6 Bel-ami quotes