Chapter-14 Quote by Margaret Atwood
““I wait, for the household to assemble. Household: that is what we are. The Commander is the head of the household. The house is what he holds. To have and to hold, till death do us part. The hold of a ship. Hollow.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Handmaid’s Tale, 1985
A metaphorical reflection on the roles and responsibilities within a household, likening it to a ship’s crew and the bonds of marriage.
In simple terms: Household duties are shared, like a crew on a ship, bound by commitment.
Key Takeaway
Value shared responsibility and partnership.
Themes
commitment
family
leadership
metaphor
relationship
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- marriage counseling
- team projects
- family planning
- community building
Key Concepts
social contract
marriage
collective identity
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do you share with your household?
- How does leadership manifest in your family?
A Different Perspective
May simplify complex power dynamics; could ignore individual autonomy.
