Like for like Quotes on Patriarchy Flashcards
“Women were expected to be submissive creatures, and to yield without murmuring to their lords and masters.” - Tess of the d’Urbervilles
“A man’s heart is a wretched, wretched thing, Mariam. It isn’t like a mother’s womb. It won’t bleed. It won’t stretch to make room for you.” - A Thousand Splendid Suns
In these quotes, the characters are exploring the expectations placed on women in their societies. In Tess, women are expected to be obedient to men and not question their authority. In A Thousand Splendid Suns, Mariam’s mother is warning her about the reality of marriage and the limited options available to women in their culture.
“The dominant male feeling in the D’Urberville pedigree was gloom; the females were, as a rule, bright-eyed and fair.” - Tess of the d’Urbervilles
“That’s just the way with women–they’ll make a whole cartload of mystery out of a thing that just ain’t nothing.” - A Thousand Splendid Suns
In these quotes, the characters are commenting on gender roles and stereotypes. In Tess, the male characters are portrayed as dark and brooding, while the female characters are seen as more innocent and light-hearted. In A Thousand Splendid Suns, Rasheed dismisses the concerns of women and believes they make things more complicated than they need to be.
“She was ashamed of her momentary weakness, and went on…determined to show that she could be as reserved as any.” - Tess of the d’Urbervilles
“A man’s accusing finger always finds a woman. You remember that, Mariam.” - A Thousand Splendid Suns
In these quotes, the characters are dealing with the pressure to conform to patriarchal norms. In Tess, Tess feels ashamed for showing weakness and strives to be as strong and reserved as the men in her life. In A Thousand Splendid Suns, Mariam’s mother warns her about the consequences of being a woman in their society and the ease with which men can shift the blame onto them.
“It was they [the men] that were the real, practical lovers, despite the poets.” - Tess of the d’Urbervilles
“A woman’s face is her husband’s business only.” - A Thousand Splendid Suns
In these quotes, the characters are commenting on the ways in which men dominate romantic relationships and control women’s lives. In Tess, men are seen as the practical lovers who have the power to make decisions and pursue women, while in A Thousand Splendid Suns, a woman’s face is considered the business of her husband only, highlighting the strict control and ownership that men have over women in their society.
“It was to be expected of women, of whom the world required none to exist without men.” - Tess of the d’Urbervilles
“Like a compass needle that points north, a man’s accusing finger always finds a woman. Always.” - A Thousand Splendid Suns
In these quotes, the characters are acknowledging the societal expectations placed on women and the ease with which they can be blamed for any perceived wrongdoing. In Tess, women are seen as needing men to exist, while in A Thousand Splendid Suns, Rasheed recognizes the pattern of men accusing women of any and all misdeeds.
“I hate him for it!…I shall hate men for ever, for what they have done to me!” - Tess of the d’Urbervilles
“It’s our lot in life, Mariam. Women like us. We endure. It’s all we have.” - A Thousand Splendid Suns
In these quotes, the characters are expressing their frustration and resentment towards the patriarchal structures that limit their lives. In Tess, Tess hates men for the pain they have caused her, while in A Thousand Splendid Suns, Mariam’s mother resigns herself to their fate as women who must endure their lot in life.
