Skip to content

In normal circumstances a lovely young woman alone would…

“In normal circumstances a lovely young woman alone would have thought of nothing else; the whole edifice of female government is based on that foundation stone; chastity is their jewel, their centrepiece, which they run mad to protect, and die when ravished of.” quote by Virginia Woolf
Download Open image
““In normal circumstances a lovely young woman alone would have thought of nothing else; the whole edifice of female government is based on that foundation stone; chastity is their jewel, their centrepiece, which they run mad to protect, and die when ravished of.””

Virginia Woolf

About This Quote

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

Societal expectations tie women's value to chastity, shaping their roles and power structures.

In simple terms: Women are judged by purity, limiting freedom.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and challenge restrictive norms.

Themes

gender society power morality

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • women's rights activism
  • education
  • cultural critique

Key Concepts

feminism social construct identity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What modern expectations still limit women?
  • How can we redefine value beyond purity?
A Different Perspective

Chastity can be a tool of control; not all traditions are oppressive.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Virginia Woolf

Explore all 1,872 Virginia Woolf quotes

More Politics quotes

Browse all 44,914 Politics quotes