Much of the ill-tempered railing against women that has characterized the popular writing of the last two years is a half-hearted attempt to find a way back to a more balanced relationship between our biological selves and the world we have built. So women are scolded both for being mothers and for not being mothers, for wanting to eat their cake and have it too, and for not wanting to eat their cake and have it too.

Summary

This quote suggests that the criticism and hostility towards women, prevalent in contemporary literature, stem from society's struggle to reconcile the traditional role of women as mothers with the evolving roles they now play in society. Women receive condemnation whether they choose to be mothers or not, expressing their desires while facing scrutiny for wanting it all or not wanting it all. The quote highlights the confusion and societal judgment surrounding women's choices and implicitly calls for a more balanced and accepting attitude towards their roles and aspirations.

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