Marriage Quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald
“Don't say 'wife.' I'm your mistress. Wife's such an ugly word. Your 'permanent mistress' is so much more tangible and desirable… .”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Great Gatsby, 1925
The speaker rejects traditional marriage terminology, preferring a more explicit, tangible label for a long‑term lover.
In simple terms: She calls a long‑term lover a “permanent mistress” instead of wife.
Key Takeaway
Question the language we use for relationships.
Themes
relationships
gender roles
language
intimacy
Mood
defiant
provocative
Type
challenging
controversial
When to use this quote
- romantic partnership
- non‑traditional relationships
- public perception
- legal rights
Key Concepts
feminism
social norms
identity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does naming affect the legitimacy of a partnership?
- What societal pressures influence our choice of relationship labels?
A Different Perspective
The term “wife” carries social expectations that may not fit all arrangements.
![“I don't like being away from home. That's one reason why I don't work as much as I used to [when I started my career], because so many things are on the road. I just don't want to be away from my husband, my dogs and my home. I don't sing that much any more because that also takes you on the road.” quote by Jane Powell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/07c/jane-powell-36243_away_i-don-t-like-being-away-from-home-that-s_278.jpg)
