Agree Quote by Catherynne M. Valente
“I will never be without information,' she determined. 'I will do better than my sisters. If a bird or any other beast comes out of that uncanny republic where husbands are grown, I will see him with his skin off before I agree to fall in love.' For this is how Marya Morevna surmised that love was shaped: an agreement, a treaty between two nations that one could either sign or not as they pleased.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, 2011
She vows to outdo her sisters, equating love to a treaty that can be accepted or rejected, emphasizing agency in relationships.
In simple terms: She will surpass her sisters and control love like a contract.
Key Takeaway
Assert personal agency in love and ambition.
Themes
agency
love
competition
self‑determination
contracts
Mood
introspective
assertive
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- Romantic relationships
- career rivalry
- creative pursuits
- personal growth
Key Concepts
Feminist agency
mythic allegory
personal ambition
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to “sign” love?
- How does competition shape self‑worth?
A Different Perspective
Love may still be constrained by societal expectations.
![“(Response to King Erik XIV of Sweden's proposal of marriage:) "[W]hile we perceive ... the zeal and love of your mind towards us is not diminished, yet in part we are grieved that we cannot gratify your Serene Highness with the same kind of affection. And that indeed does not happen because we…” quote by Elizabeth I](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/465/elizabeth-i-3475_bachelorhood_response-to-king-erik-xiv-of-sweden-s-pr_2943576.jpg)
![“I will not agree to have this bill [to repeal DADT ] go forward, because our economy is in the tank.” quote by John McCain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c2c/john-mccain-465_agree_i-will-not-agree-to-have-this-bill-to-re_7321.jpg)
