--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: But marriage is one long sacrifice……" description: "\"But marriage is one long sacrifice… Chapter 21, Medora Manson speaking to Newland Archer\" — Edith Wharton" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4e6/edith-wharton-512_archer_but-marriage-is-one-long-sacrifice-chapt_2773620.png" --- # But marriage is one long sacrifice… Chapter 21, Medora… ![“But marriage is one long sacrifice… Chapter 21, Medora Manson speaking to Newland Archer” quote by Edith Wharton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4e6/edith-wharton-512_archer_but-marriage-is-one-long-sacrifice-chapt_2773620.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4e6/edith-wharton-512_archer_but-marriage-is-one-long-sacrifice-chapt_2773620.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4e6/edith-wharton-512_archer_but-marriage-is-one-long-sacrifice-chapt_2773620.png) > “But marriage is one long sacrifice… Chapter 21, Medora Manson speaking to Newland Archer” [Edith Wharton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edith-wharton/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Marriage requires ongoing compromise and self‑sacrifice, often feeling like a continuous series of concessions. **In simple terms:** Marriage is constant sacrifice. Key Takeaway Accept that partnership demands give‑and‑take. Themes commitment sacrifice relationships Mood reflective somber Type advice philosophical When to use this quote - family life - career decisions - parenting - personal growth Key Concepts marriage dynamics long‑term partnership Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance personal needs with marital duties? - What sacrifices feel worthwhile? A Different Perspective Sacrifice alone cannot sustain a marriage; mutual respect is also needed. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Archer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/archer/) [Marriage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/marriage/) [Sacrifice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sacrifice/) ## Related quotes > [“Marriage is one long sacrifice.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edith-wharton/marriage-is-one-long-sacrifice/) [Edith Wharton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edith-wharton/) > [“But there was about her the mysterious authority of beauty, a sureness in the carriage of the head, the movement of the eyes, which,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edith-wharton/but-there-was-about-her-the-mysterious-authority-of-beauty-a-sureness/) [Edith Wharton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edith-wharton/) > [“Too long a sacrifice Can make a stone of the heart. 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O when may it suffice?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-butler-yeats/too-long-a-sacrifice-can-make-a-stone-of-the-heart-o-when-may-it/) [William Butler Yeats](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-butler-yeats/) > [She said she knew we were safe with you, and always would be, because once, when she asked you to, you'd given up the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edith-wharton/she-said-she-knew-we-were-safe-with-you-and-always-would-be-because/) [Edith Wharton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edith-wharton/) > [Archer had always been inclined to think that chance and circumstance played a small part in shaping people's lots compared with their innate tendency…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edith-wharton/archer-had-always-been-inclined-to-think-that-chance-and-circumstance/) [Edith Wharton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edith-wharton/) > [“Archer looked down with wonder at the familiar spectacle. 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