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scarcely a human being in the course of history has fallen…

“scarcely a human being in the course of history has fallen to a woman's rifle; the vast majority of birds and beasts have been killed by you, not by us. Obviously there is for you some glory, some necessity, some satisfaction in fighting which we have never felt or enjoyed.” quote by Virginia Woolf
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“scarcely a human being in the course of history has fallen to a woman's rifle; the vast majority of birds and beasts have been killed by you, not by us. Obviously there is for you some glory, some necessity, some satisfaction in fighting which we have never felt or enjoyed.”

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.

The quote reflects on the gendered experience of war, noting that women rarely die by guns while men kill animals, and that men find a perverse satisfaction in combat.

In simple terms: War is seen as a male domain with a strange allure.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the gender bias in narratives of violence.

Themes

gender war violence psychology

Mood

reflective critical thoughtful

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • military history
  • gender studies
  • media analysis
  • ethical debates

Key Concepts

masculinity power dynamics ethical critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does gender shape our perception of war?
  • What are the moral implications of glorifying combat?
A Different Perspective

The statement may romanticize conflict and ignore broader systemic causes.

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