Alternatives Quote by Fannie Hurst
“A woman is not a whole woman without the experience of marriage. In the case of a bad marriage, you win if you lose. Of the two alternatives - bad marriage or none - I believe bad marriage would be better. It is a bitter experience and a high price to pay for fulfillment, but it is the better alternative.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: “Back Street” by Fannie Hurst, 1931
She argues that even a painful marriage can be preferable to remaining single, suggesting sacrifice for societal fulfillment.
In simple terms: A bad marriage may seem better than staying single.
Key Takeaway
Weigh personal happiness against societal expectations.
Themes
marriage
societal pressure
fulfillment
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- family planning
- cultural expectations
Key Concepts
sacrifice
gender roles
personal growth
Questions to Reflect On
- Is staying single truly less fulfilling?
- What alternatives exist beyond marriage?
A Different Perspective
Overlooks the value of autonomy and potential for non‑marital fulfillment.
![“[When asked how it felt to be a female prime minister:] I don't know: I've never experienced the alternative.” quote by Margaret Thatcher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/324/margaret-thatcher-463_alternatives_when-asked-how-it-felt-to-be-a-female-pr_15081.jpg)
