Black hair Quote by Virginia Woolf
![“[Women] are not even now as concerned about the health of their fame as men are, and, speaking generally, will pass a tombstone or a signpost without feeling an irresistible desire to cut their names on it, as Alf, Bert, or Chas must do in obedience to their instinct, which murmurs if it sees a…” quote by Virginia Woolf](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e87/virginia-woolf-49_black-hair_women-are-not-even-now-as-concerned-abou_1878092.jpg)
““[Women] are not even now as concerned about the health of their fame as men are, and, speaking generally, will pass a tombstone or a signpost without feeling an irresistible desire to cut their names on it, as Alf, Bert, or Chas must do in obedience to their instinct, which murmurs if it sees a fine woman go by, or even a dog, Ce chien est à moi. And, of course, it may be a dog, I thought, remembering Parliament square, the Sieges Allee and other avenues; it may be a piece of land or a man with curly black hair. It is one of the great advantages of being a woman that one can pass even a very fine negress without wishing to make an Englishwoman of her.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Orlando by Virginia Woolf, 1928
The passage satates gendered expectations about fame, desire, and the instinctual drive to claim ownership, highlighting how women may navigate social norms differently than men.
In simple terms: Women experience fame and desire differently than men.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and question gendered expectations.
Themes
gender
identity
desire
social norms
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- literary analysis
- gender studies
- personal reflection
- social commentary
Key Concepts
feminist critique
psychology
social construction
Questions to Reflect On
- How do gender expectations shape personal ambition?
- In what ways can women subvert these norms?
A Different Perspective
The view may oversimplify women's agency and ignore individual variation.
