Love Quote by Margaret Atwood
““I do not say making love, because this is not what he's doing. Copulating too would be inaccurate, because it would imply two people and only one is involved. Nor does rape cover it: nothing is going on here that I haven't signed up for. There wasn't a lot of choice, but there was some, and this is what I chose.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Handmaid’s Tale, 1985
She describes a non‑consensual act that, despite lacking choice, is framed as a personal decision.
In simple terms: She calls a forced act a choice she made, highlighting complex consent dynamics.
Key Takeaway
Examine how language can obscure power imbalances in sexual contexts.
Themes
consent
power
language
sexual violence
agency
Mood
critical
provocative
Type
literary
ethical
When to use this quote
- legal testimony
- therapy sessions
- literary analysis
- activist discussions
Key Concepts
semantic framing
ethical ambiguity
personal autonomy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does language shape our perception of consent?
- What responsibilities do writers have when depicting such acts?
A Different Perspective
Equating coercion with choice can normalize abuse.
