Books Quote by Libba Bray
““There is a particular circle of hell not mentioned in Dante's famous book. It is called comportment, and it exists in schools for young ladies across the empire. I do not know how it feels to be thrown into a lake of fire. I am sure it isn't pleasant. But I can say with all certainty that walking the length of a ballroom with a book upon one's head and a backboard strapped to one's back while imprisoned in a tight corset, layers of petticoats, and shoes that pinch is a form of torture even Mr. Alighieri would find too hideous to document in his Inferno.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: A College of Magics by Caroline Stevermer, 1994
The quote satates that the strict, oppressive dress codes and etiquette imposed on young women in elite schools are a form of psychological and physical torment.
In simple terms: Harsh school rules torture girls.
Key Takeaway
Challenge restrictive norms.
Themes
oppression
gender
education
Mood
frustrated
critical
Type
social commentary
feminist.
When to use this quote
- school uniforms
- formal events
- historical education
- modern dress codes
Key Concepts
feminist critique
social conformity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do dress codes affect personal freedom?
- Can tradition justify discomfort?
A Different Perspective
Such constraints may also be seen as cultural tradition rather than torture.
