Woman is not born: she is made. In the making, her humanity is destroyed. She becomes symbol of this, symbol of that: mother of the earth, slut of the universe; but she never becomes herself because it is forbidden for her to do so.

Summary

This quote by French writer Simone de Beauvoir suggests that society molds women into predefined roles, eroding their true humanity. She argues that women are assigned various labels and expectations such as being nurturing mothers or objects of desire, yet are prevented from discovering and expressing their authentic selves. Beauvoir denounces the societal restrictions placed on women, presenting the idea that they are not offered the same opportunities for self-realization as men, consequently hindering their individuality.

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