Success Quote by Susanna Clarke
““This young woman," he indicated Miss Wintertowne, "she has, I dare say, all the usual accomplishments and virtues? She was graceful? Witty? Vivacious? Capricious? Danced like sunlight? Rode ilk the wind? Sang like an angel? Embroidered like Penelope? Spoke French, Italian, German, Breton, Welsh and many other languages?" Mr. Norrell said he supposed so. He believed that those were the sorts of things young ladies did nowadays.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke, 2004
The passage satirically lists exaggerated expectations of a young woman’s talents, highlighting societal pressure on women.
In simple terms: Women are expected to be perfect in many ways.
Key Takeaway
Challenge unrealistic standards.
Themes
gender
expectations
satire
societal pressure
talent
identity
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education
- career planning
- media representation
- personal development
Key Concepts
feminism
social critique
historical context
Questions to Reflect On
- Which expectations feel most oppressive?
- How can you define your own worth?
A Different Perspective
May overlook individual agency.
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