Buying a house Quote by Richard Yates
““Wasn’t it true, then, that everything in his life from that point on had been a succession of things he hadn’t really wanted to do? Taking a hopelessly dull job to prove he could be as responsible as any other family man, moving to an overpriced, genteel apartment to prove his mature belief in the fundamentals of orderliness and good health, having another child to prove that the first one hadn’t been a mistake, buying a house in the country because that was the next logical step and he had to prove himself capable of taking it. Proving, proving; and for no other reason than that he was married to a woman who had somehow managed to put him forever on the defensive, who loved him when he was nice, who lived according to what she happened to feel like doing and who might at any time—this was the hell of it—who might at any time of day or night just happen to feel like leaving him. It was as ludicrous and as simple as that.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Good Children, Richard Yates, 1977
The protagonist feels trapped by societal expectations and marital pressure, constantly proving himself through conventional milestones that don’t reflect his true desires.
In simple terms: He feels forced to live a life he doesn’t want, trying to meet external standards.
Key Takeaway
Question the expectations you’re living for.
Themes
identity
conformity
marriage
Mood
conflicted
reflective
Type
narrative
psychological
When to use this quote
- career choices
- family planning
- home buying
- relationship dynamics
Key Concepts
existentialism
social pressure
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you choose if no one judged you?
- How do you differentiate your desires from imposed expectations?
A Different Perspective
Success defined by others can erode personal fulfillment.
