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I am certain one ought to be allowed to undo what one has…

“I am certain one ought to be allowed to undo what one has done so ignorantly ! I daresay it happens to lots of women; only they submit, and I kick… When people of a later age look back upon the barbarous customs and superstitions of the times that we have the unhappiness to live in, what will they…” quote by Thomas Hardy
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““I am certain one ought to be allowed to undo what one has done so ignorantly ! I daresay it happens to lots of women; only they submit, and I kick… When people of a later age look back upon the barbarous customs and superstitions of the times that we have the unhappiness to live in, what will they say!””

Thomas Hardy

About This Quote

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

Societal customs can oppress individuals, especially women, and future generations will judge them harshly.

In simple terms: Old customs harm people; future will judge.

Key Takeaway

Challenge oppressive traditions.

Themes

gender oppression history justice social change

Mood

somber reflective hopeful

Type

literary philosophical social commentary

When to use this quote

  • women's rights activism
  • legal reform
  • educational curricula
  • cultural critique

Key Concepts

feminist critique historical oppression ethical reflection

Questions to Reflect On

  • What customs today might future generations condemn?
  • How can individuals resist oppressive norms?
A Different Perspective

Changing deep‑rooted customs is difficult and slow.

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