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Marriage is a matter for common sense." "But women who…

“Marriage is a matter for common sense." "But women who have common sense are so curiously plain, father, aren't they? Of course I only speak from heresay?" "No woman, plain or pretty, has any common sense at all, sir. Common sense is the privilege of our sex.” quote by Oscar Wilde
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““Marriage is a matter for common sense." "But women who have common sense are so curiously plain, father, aren't they? Of course I only speak from heresay?" "No woman, plain or pretty, has any common sense at all, sir. Common sense is the privilege of our sex.””

Oscar Wilde

About This Quote

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

Common sense is portrayed as a gendered privilege, suggesting women are denied it by society.

In simple terms: Women are denied common sense because of gender bias.

Key Takeaway

Question societal assumptions about gender and intelligence.

Themes

gender bias common sense social norms feminism satire

Mood

ironic critical thought‑provoking

Type

literary satirical

When to use this quote

  • workplace dynamics
  • education
  • media representation
  • political discourse
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

patriarchy stereotypes intellectual freedom social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does humor expose gendered expectations?
  • Can common sense truly be gendered?
A Different Perspective

The quote satirically exaggerates to highlight real inequities, which may oversimplify complex gender issues.

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