But what is Hope? Nothing but the paint on the face of Existence; the least touch of truth rubs it off, and then we see what a hollow-cheeked harlot we have got hold of.
Lord ByronRead
But as to women, who can penetrate the real sufferings of their she condition? Man's very sympathy with their estate has much of selfishness and more suspicion. Their love, their virtue, beauty, education, but form good housekeepers, to breed a nation.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the struggles of women and the often selfish nature of men's sympathy towards them.
Lord Byron's quote highlights the profound suffering experienced by women, suggesting that men's understanding of this suffering is often tainted with selfish motives and suspicion. He critiques the societal view of women, implying that their qualities are often reduced to roles that serve men and contribute to the family structure, rather than being valued for their own sake.
Themes
WomenSufferingSympathySocietyGender Roles
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about women's rights, this quote illustrates the misunderstood nature of women's struggles.
More from Lord Byron
All quotes →It is the lava of the imagination whose eruption prevents an earthquake.
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For what were all these country patriots born? To hunt, and vote, and raise the price of corn?
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Absence - that common cure of love.
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Her great merit is finding out mine; there is nothing so amiable as discernment.
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But words are things, and a small drop of ink, Falling like dew, upon a thought, produces That which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think.
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