Books Quote by Irmgard Keun
““I so want to give him my notebook--I want to be a real person--he should read my book--I work for him, I cook for him, I'm Doris--Doris isn't just some piece of dirt. I don't want to be innocent, I want to be the real Doris here and not that silly civilized product of the Green Moss's imagination.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Artificial Silk by Irmgard Keun, 1932
A character struggles for authentic identity, rejecting being reduced to a mere object or fantasy, asserting her humanity.
In simple terms: She wants to be seen as a real person, not a symbolic or idealized figure.
Key Takeaway
Demand recognition of your true self.
Themes
identity
selfhood
authenticity
gender
power
Mood
defiant
hopeful
reflective
Type
personal
literary
feminist
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- creative work
- social expectations
- artistic expression
Key Concepts
existentialism
feminist critique
self‑definition
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assert your true self in limiting contexts?
- What compromises are you willing to make for authenticity?
A Different Perspective
The desire for authenticity can clash with societal roles and expectations.
