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My daughter," I said blankly. "I see. Correct me if I am…

“My daughter," I said blankly. "I see. Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought it took a man, as well as a woman, to make a child. Is this infant's father to be a crab, or a seagull maybe? Or were you planning to shipwreck some likely sailor on my doorstep, so I can make convenient use of him?” quote by Juliet Marillier
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“My daughter," I said blankly. "I see. Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought it took a man, as well as a woman, to make a child. Is this infant's father to be a crab, or a seagull maybe? Or were you planning to shipwreck some likely sailor on my doorstep, so I can make convenient use of him?”

Juliet Marillier

About This Quote

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

The speaker questions traditional gender roles in parenthood, suggesting absurd alternatives to emphasize the absurdity of expectations.

In simple terms: Questioning gender expectations in parenthood.

Key Takeaway

Challenge stereotypes about who can be a parent.

Themes

gender roles parenthood absurdity

Mood

thoughtful ironic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • discussing family planning
  • teaching children about gender
  • writing fiction
  • debating societal expectations

Key Concepts

feminism social norms family dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do societal expectations shape our view of parenthood?
  • What alternative family structures could be normalized?
A Different Perspective

The humor may obscure serious critique of gender bias.

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