Marriage Quote by Thomas Hardy
““It appears that ordinary men take wives because possession is not possible without marriage, and that ordinary women accept husbands because marriage is not possible without possession; with totally differing aims the method is the same on both sides.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Tess of the d'Urbervilles, 1891
Marriage is portrayed as a transaction where both genders seek possession, revealing mutual exploitation.
In simple terms: Marriage seen as mutual possession.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address power imbalances in relationships.
Themes
gender
marriage
power dynamics
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
literature
social critique
When to use this quote
- Relationship counseling
- gender studies
- legal reform
Key Concepts
Patriarchal structures
mutual exploitation
social contracts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do modern marriages avoid possession dynamics?
- What reforms promote equitable partnerships?
A Different Perspective
Historical context may differ today.
![“I don't like being away from home. That's one reason why I don't work as much as I used to [when I started my career], because so many things are on the road. I just don't want to be away from my husband, my dogs and my home. I don't sing that much any more because that also takes you on the road.” quote by Jane Powell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/07c/jane-powell-36243_away-from-home_i-don-t-like-being-away-from-home-that-s_278.jpg)
