Children Quote by Svetlana Alexievich
““We were eight children in our family, the first four were all girls, I was the oldest. Papa once came home from work and wept: “I used to be happy that we had girls first…Brides-to-be. But now in every family someone is going to the front, and we have nobody…I’m too old, they won’t take me; you’re all girls, and the boys are still little.” In our family this was keenly felt. Courses for nurses were organized, and my father took me and my sister there. I was fifteen, my sister fourteen. He said: “This is all I can offer for our victory…My girls…” There was no other thought then. A year later I wound up at the front…””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Unwomanly Face of War, 1985
A mother’s grief over losing sons to war, reflecting on gender expectations and sacrifice
In simple terms: Mothers mourn lost sons and feel abandoned
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge the cost of war on families
Themes
war
family
gender
sacrifice
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
historical
personal
When to use this quote
- family discussions
- peace activism
- support for veterans
- gender role reflection
Key Concepts
maternal grief
generational trauma
Questions to Reflect On
- How does gender shape expectations of sacrifice?
- What can societies do to honor both sons and daughters equally?
A Different Perspective
May overlook individual agency and resilience in survivors
