Fashion Quote by Margaret Atwood
““The summer dresses are unpacked and hanging in the closet, two of them, pure cotton, which is better than synthetics like the cheaper ones, though even so, when it's muggy, in July and August, you sweat inside them. No worry about sunburn though, said Aunt Lydia. The spectacles women used to make of themselves. Oiling themselves like roast meat on a spit, and bare backs and shoulders, on the street, in public, and legs, not even stockings on them, no wonder those things used to happen. [...] And not good for the complexion, not at all, wrinkle you up like a dried apple. But we weren't supposed to care about our complexions any more, she'd forgotten that.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood, 1985
The passage critiques superficial concerns about appearance and comfort, highlighting societal expectations that women prioritize appearance over health and agency.
In simple terms: Women are pressured to focus on looks despite discomfort.
Key Takeaway
Question societal standards that value appearance over wellbeing.
Themes
feminism
body image
consumerism
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
social commentary
feminist critique
When to use this quote
- summer clothing choices
- personal grooming
- public perception
- media influence
Key Concepts
gender roles
social pressure
health vs aesthetics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do modern standards differ from those described?
- What health risks are ignored for fashion?
A Different Perspective
The quote may romanticize past practices without acknowledging progress.
