Elizabeth taylor Quote by Alice Munro
““He did take her to the movies. They saw Father of the Bride. Grace hated it. She hated girls like Elizabeth Taylor in that movie, she hated spoiled rich girls of whom nothing was ever asked but that they wheedle and demand. Maury said that it was only supposed to be a comedy, but she said that was not the point. She could not make clear what the point was. Anybody would think that it was because she worked as a waitress and was too poor to go to college, and that if she wanted anything like that kind of wedding she would have to spend years saving up to pay for it herself. (Maury did think this, and was stricken with respect for her, almost with reverence.) She could not explain or quite understand that it wasn’t altogether jealousy she felt, it was rage. And not because she couldn’t shop like that or dress like that. It was because that was what girls were supposed to be like. That was what men— people, everybody—thought they should be like. Beautiful, treasured, spoiled, selfish, pea-brained. That was what a girl should be, to be fallen in love with. Then she would become a mother and she’d be all mushily devoted to her babies. Not selfish anymore, but just as pea-brained. Forever. She was fuming about this while sitting beside a boy who had fallen in love with her because he had believed—instantly—in the integrity and uniqueness of her mind and soul, and had seen her poverty as a romantic gloss on that.””
About This Quote
Source Short Story: “The Moons of Jupiter” (collection The Moons of Jupiter, 1982)
A woman’s rage stems from societal expectations of femininity, not personal envy, highlighting oppressive gender norms.
In simple terms: She is angry about imposed gender roles.
Recognize and challenge limiting gender stereotypes.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- dating
- career aspirations
- family planning
- social class discussions
- gender equality workshops
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do societal expectations shape personal anger?
- Can love transcend class and gender stereotypes?
Her anger may also be rooted in personal insecurity, not solely external expectations.