Quote by Ambrose Bierce
Marriage is the state or condition of a community consisting of a master, a mistress and two slaves, making in all, two.
Summary
This quote can be interpreted as a satirical comment on the power dynamics and traditional roles within a marriage. It suggests that in a marriage, one partner holds the dominant position (the master) while the other partner takes a secondary role (the mistress). The reference to the two slaves implies that both partners are ultimately bound to the expectations and conventions of marriage, implying a lack of autonomy. Overall, the quote highlights the unequal power dynamics and societal norms that have historically existed within the institution of marriage.