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He copulated with a number of girls, but copulation was…

“He copulated with a number of girls, but copulation was not the joy it ought to be. It was a mere relief of need, like evacuating, and he felt ashamed of it afterward because it involved another person as object.” quote by Ursula K. Le Guin
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““He copulated with a number of girls, but copulation was not the joy it ought to be. It was a mere relief of need, like evacuating, and he felt ashamed of it afterward because it involved another person as object.””

Ursula K. Le Guin

About This Quote

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

Describes sexual encounters reduced to mechanical relief, causing shame and objectification.

In simple terms: Sex becomes a hollow act, leaving shame.

Key Takeaway

Seek genuine connection beyond physical need.

Themes

intimacy shame objectification humanity

Mood

reflective somber

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • sexual ethics
  • self‑reflection

Key Concepts

existential alienation psychological conflict

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does true intimacy require?
  • How can we avoid treating partners as objects?
A Different Perspective

May generalize complex emotions.

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