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Women from earliest times have been used as conveniences…

“Women from earliest times have been used as conveniences of communication with unseen, inaccessible powers, but always in the sense that such exposing of self to dangerous mysteries, such destruction of the understanding as was required to become the slave of unseen powers, did not matter because…” quote by Laura Riding
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“Women from earliest times have been used as conveniences of communication with unseen, inaccessible powers, but always in the sense that such exposing of self to dangerous mysteries, such destruction of the understanding as was required to become the slave of unseen powers, did not matter because the communicant was only a woman, in herself an undetermined cipher - a nothing.”

Laura Riding

About This Quote

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

Women have historically been used as vessels for mysterious powers, reduced to undefined symbols, reflecting patriarchal objectification.

In simple terms: Women were treated as mysterious symbols.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and challenge gender objectification.

Themes

gender objectification history power dynamics

Mood

critical thought‑provoking

Type

philosophical feminist

When to use this quote

  • literature
  • social theory
  • cultural studies

Key Concepts

Patriarchy symbolism feminist critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does this view affect modern gender roles?
  • What can change these narratives?
A Different Perspective

Historical context varies across cultures.

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