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The perfect woman, you see, is a working woman; not an…

“The perfect woman, you see, is a working woman; not an idle, not a fine lady, but one who uses her hands and her head and her heart for the good.” quote by Thomas Hardy
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“The perfect woman, you see, is a working woman; not an idle, not a fine lady, but one who uses her hands and her head and her heart for the good.”

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.

A truly valuable woman combines work, intellect, and compassion, rejecting idle or purely ornamental roles.

In simple terms: A good woman works, thinks, and cares.

Key Takeaway

Value practical and compassionate contributions.

Themes

gender roles work ethic humanism

Mood

inspirational critical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • career counseling
  • women’s studies classes
  • community volunteering
  • family discussions

Key Concepts

labor intellectual engagement emotional labor

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can society support women in all three aspects?
  • What barriers prevent women from fully participating?
A Different Perspective

Modern contexts may demand different balances.

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