Dry land Quote by Jeffrey Eugenides
““After the Second World War, San Francisco was the main point of re-entry for sailors returning from the Pacific. Out at sea, many of these sailors had picked up amatory habits that were frowned upon back on dry land. So these sailors stayed in San Francisco . . .””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides, 2011
Post‑war sailors gravitated to San Francisco because its permissive atmosphere matched their wartime habits.
In simple terms: Sailors chose San Francisco for its lax morals.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how environment shapes behavior.
Themes
migration
culture
postwar
Mood
reflective
nostalgic
Type
historical
social
When to use this quote
- post‑war reintegration
- urban nightlife
- social norms
- habits
Key Concepts
sociology
urban studies
behavioral adaptation
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do people seek environments that mirror past behaviors?
- What factors make a city attractive after conflict?
A Different Perspective
Not all sailors fit this pattern; other cities offered similar freedoms.
