[The married woman is] is a bonded slave, who takes her…
![“[The married woman is] is a bonded slave, who takes her master's name, her master's bread, and serves her master's passion; [and] who passes through the ordeal of pregnancy and the throes of travail at his dictation.” quote by Voltairine de Cleyre](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/c98/voltairine-de-cleyre-13597_bread_the-married-woman-is-is-a-bonded-slave-w_893588.jpg)
“[The married woman is] is a bonded slave, who takes her master's name, her master's bread, and serves her master's passion; [and] who passes through the ordeal of pregnancy and the throes of travail at his dictation.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The text equates marriage to a form of slavery, where a woman loses autonomy, becoming bound to her husband’s identity, labor, and desires, especially through pregnancy.
In simple terms: Marriage is described as a woman losing her independence to her husband.
Key Takeaway
Question societal expectations that limit women’s freedom.
Themes
oppression
gender roles
autonomy
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
essay
feminist manifesto
When to use this quote
- legal reforms
- education
- support networks
- reproductive rights advocacy
Key Concepts
feminism
social critique
marriage institution
Questions to Reflect On
- How can partnerships respect both partners’ autonomy?
- What reforms can protect women’s rights within marriage?
A Different Perspective
Not all marriages are oppressive; context and agency matter.