Art Quote by Margaret Atwood
““The male frog, in mating season," said Crake, "makes as much noise as it can. The females are attracted to the male frog with the biggest, deepest voice because it suggests a more powerful frog, one with superior genes. Small male frogs - it's been documented - discover that if they position themselves in empty drainpipes, the pipe acts as a voice amplifier, and the small frog appears much larger than it really is." "So?" "So that's what art is, for the artist," said Crake. "An empty drainpipe. An amplifier. A stab at getting laid." "Your analogy falls down when it comes to female artists," said Jimmy. "They're not in it to get laid. They'd gain no biological advantage from amplifying themselves, since potential mates would be deterred rather than attracted by this sort of amplification. Men aren't frogs, they don't want women who are ten times bigger than them." "Female artists are biologically confused," said Crake.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood, 2003
Artistic self‑promotion is likened to frogs using amplifiers to appear larger, but gender dynamics complicate the metaphor.
In simple terms: Artists amplify themselves to gain attention, but the payoff differs for men and women.
Key Takeaway
Consider how amplification works differently across contexts.
Themes
art
gender
communication
power
biology
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- marketing
- performance art
- social media
- public speaking
- career advancement
Key Concepts
self‑presentation
signal theory
gender roles
Questions to Reflect On
- When does self‑promotion become counterproductive?
- How do gender expectations shape artistic expression?
A Different Perspective
Amplification can backfire if perceived as inauthentic or exploitative.
