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Bribe Quote by Thornton Wilder

“The marriage is a bribe to make a housekeeper think she is a householder.” quote by Thornton Wilder
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““The marriage is a bribe to make a housekeeper think she is a householder.””

Thornton Wilder

About This Quote

Source Play: The Matchmaker, 1955

He likens marriage to a bribe that convinces a servant she owns a home.

In simple terms: Marriage can be a deceptive power play.

Key Takeaway

Recognize genuine partnership over status.

Themes

marriage power dynamics social roles

Mood

skeptical reflective

Type

critical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • family planning
  • relationship counseling
  • social expectations

Key Concepts

class identity manipulation

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you view marriage as empowerment or control?
  • How do societal expectations shape marital choices?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may oversimplify complex marital relationships.

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