Hypocrite Quote by Doris Lessing
““Anyone could tell us two writers shouldn’t be together. Or rather, that a competitive American shouldn’t be with a woman who has written a book.”“That’s right,”he said. “It’s a challenge to my sexual superiority, and that isn’t a joke.”“I know it isn’t. But please don’t give me any more of your pompous socialist lectures about the equality of men and women.”“I shall probably give you pompous lectures because I enjoy it. But I won’t believe in them myself. The truth is, I resent you for having written a book which was a success. And I’ve come to the conclusion I’ve always been a hypocrite, and in fact I enjoy a society where women are second-class citizens, I enjoy being boss and being flattered.”“Good,”I said. “Because in a society where not one man in ten thousand begins to understand the ways in which women are second-class citizens, we have to rely for company on the men who are at least not hypocrites.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Golden Notebook, 1962
A man expresses envy and superiority toward a successful female writer, revealing deep misogyny and hypocrisy.
In simple terms: He admits to resenting a woman's success and feeling superior.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge gender bias.
Themes
gender
hypogyny
hypocrisy
power dynamics
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
literary
dialogue
When to use this quote
- literary criticism
- gender studies seminars
- personal reflection on bias
Key Concepts
male entitlement
social critique
literary dialogue
Questions to Reflect On
- What underlying insecurities drive his resentment?
- How can societies confront such hidden misogyny?
A Different Perspective
The dialogue may exaggerate for dramatic effect, not reflecting real attitudes.
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