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 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.””
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.
Seek mutual respect and freedom.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- relationship counseling
- marriage vows
- cohabitation agreements
- personal boundaries
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you negotiate equality in a partnership?
- What boundaries protect personal autonomy?
Ideal may clash with societal expectations.