Human suffering Quote by Donald Barthelme
““The horsewife! The very basebone of the American plethora! The horsewife! Without whom the entire structure of civilian life would crumble! Without the horsewife, the whole raison d'être of our existences would be reduced, in a twinkling, to that brute level of brutality for which we so rightly reproach the filthy animals. Were it not for her enormous purchasing power and the heedless gaiety with which it is exercised, we would still be going around dressed in skins probably, with no big ticket items to fill the empty voids, in our homes and in our hearts. The horsewife! Nut and numen of our intersubjectivity. The horsewife! The chiefest ornament on the golden tree of human suffering!””
About This Quote
The passage satizes the essential role of women (the “horsewife”) in society, suggesting civilization would collapse without them.
In simple terms: Exaggerated praise of women's societal importance.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and value contributions of all genders.
Themes
gender
society
satire
Mood
ironic
critical
humorous
Type
satire
social commentary
When to use this quote
- family dynamics
- workplace equality
- cultural critique
- social commentary
Key Concepts
feminism
social structure
humor
Questions to Reflect On
- In what ways do we overlook everyday contributions?
- How can satire highlight gender issues?
A Different Perspective
Overly hyperbolic, may alienate some readers.
