Once women begin to question the inevitability of their subordination and to reject the conventions formerly associated with it, they can no longer retreat to the safety of those conventions. The woman who rejects the stereotype of feminine weakness and dependence can no longer find much comfort in the clich? that all men are beasts. She has no choice except to believe, on the contrary, that men are human beings, and she finds it hard to forgive them when they act like animals.

Summary

This quote highlights the transformative power of challenging societal norms and expectations imposed on women. When women start questioning and resisting their own subordination, they can no longer find solace in the comforts provided by those traditional conventions. By rejecting the stereotype of weakness and dependence, women can no longer view men as mere beasts, but rather as human beings capable of reason. This realization makes it difficult for women to forgive and tolerate men's behaviors that resemble animalistic tendencies, as it conflicts with their newly understood humanity.

Topics