Time Quote by Betty Smith
““Joanna. Remember Joanna. Francie could never forget her. From that time on, remembering the stoning women, she hated women. She feared them for their devious ways, she mistrusted their instincts. She began to hate them for this disloyalty and their cruelty toward each other. Of all the stone-throwers, not one had dared to speak a word for the girl for fear that she would be tarred with Joanna's brush...Most women had one thing in common: they had great pain when they gave birth to their children. This should make a bond that held them together; it should make them love and protect each other against the man-world. But it was not so.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, 1943
The narrator reflects on how women’s shared suffering and mistrust can fracture solidarity, preventing the expected bond of mutual support.
In simple terms: Women’s pain can divide rather than unite them.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and heal mistrust among women.
Themes
gender
suffering
solidarity
misogyny
trust
Mood
sad
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- family life
- community building
- support groups
- activism
- therapy
Key Concepts
psychology
social dynamics
feminist critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How can shared pain become a source of unity?
- What steps can rebuild trust among women?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all women share identical experiences, overlooking individual differences.
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