Colonel Quote by Oscar Wilde
““Colonel. Can she read and write? Peter. Ay, that she can, sir. Colonel. Then she is a dangerous woman.””
About This Quote
Source Play: The Importance of Being Earnest, 1895
A woman who can read and write possesses knowledge that can be threatening in a patriarchal society.
In simple terms: Educated women can be seen as dangerous.
Key Takeaway
Respect women's intellect.
Themes
gender
education
power
danger
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
literary
dialogue
When to use this quote
- classroom
- workplace
- political activism
- family dynamics
Key Concepts
feminism
social hierarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does education empower women?
- What stereotypes link literacy to danger?
A Different Perspective
Assumes danger only arises from literacy, ignoring other forms of agency.
