Clever woman Quote by Virginia Woolf
““shook hands very cordially; and yet I always feel him shrinking sensitively from me, as a woman, a clever woman, an up to date woman. Feeling this I commanded him to read Defoe, and left him, and went and got some more Defoe, having bought one volume at Bickers on the””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, 1925
The narrator observes a man's uneasy reaction to a confident, modern woman, prompting her to assert intellectual dominance through literature.
In simple terms: A man recoils from a self-assured woman; she counters by offering him a book.
Key Takeaway
Use knowledge to challenge social discomfort.
Themes
gender dynamics
social perception
literature
confidence
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
observational
critical
When to use this quote
- social gatherings
- professional settings
- personal relationships
- educational encounters
Key Concepts
feminism
psychology
power relations
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you respond when someone feels threatened by your confidence?
- What role does literature play in navigating social tension?
A Different Perspective
The reaction may stem from deeper insecurities, not just gender bias.
