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Why have such scores of lovely, gifted girls Married…

“Why have such scores of lovely, gifted girls Married impossible men? Simple self-sacrifice may be ruled out, And missionary endeavour, nine times out of ten. Repeat 'impossible men': not merely rustic, Foul-tempered or depraved (Dramatic foils chosen to show the world How well women behave, and…” quote by Robert Graves
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““Why have such scores of lovely, gifted girls Married impossible men? Simple self-sacrifice may be ruled out, And missionary endeavour, nine times out of ten. Repeat 'impossible men': not merely rustic, Foul-tempered or depraved (Dramatic foils chosen to show the world How well women behave, and always have behaved). Impossible men: idle, illiterate, Self-pitying, dirty, sly, For whose appearance even in City parks Excuses must be made to casual passers-by. Has God's supply of tolerable husbands Fallen, in fact, so low? Or do I always over-value woman At the expense of man? Do I? It might be so.””

Robert Graves

About This Quote

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

Women often marry unsuitable men due to societal expectations and personal sacrifice

In simple terms: Societal pressure leads to mismatched marriages

Key Takeaway

Question societal norms in partner choice

Themes

gender roles societal expectations marriage dynamics

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical social commentary

When to use this quote

  • dating
  • marriage counseling
  • cultural analysis

Key Concepts

feminist critique social construct

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you prioritize personal happiness over expectations?
  • How can society support healthier relationships?
A Different Perspective

Idealizing sacrifice can cause personal unhappiness

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