Modesty Quote by Virginia Woolf
““I am she that men call Modesty. Virgin I am and ever shall be. Not for me the fruitful fields and the fertile vineyard. Increase is odious to me; and when the apples burgeon or the flocks breed, I run, I run, I let my mantle fall. My hair covers my eyes, I do not see. Spare, O spare!””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Orlando, Virginia Woolf, 1928
The speaker rejects traditional roles of fertility and productivity, seeking solitude and spiritual purity.
In simple terms: She chooses a life of modesty over worldly growth.
Key Takeaway
Consider the value of simplicity over material success.
Themes
modesty
spirituality
rejection of materialism
solitude
purity
Mood
contemplative
somber
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- Religious vows
- personal renunciation
- artistic isolation
Key Concepts
Feminist critique
asceticism
self‑identity
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “modesty” mean to you beyond appearance?
- Can solitude coexist with meaningful contribution?
A Different Perspective
Such extreme withdrawal can limit personal fulfillment and societal contribution.
