In A.S. Byatt's novel "The Children's Book," the character Florence expresses the harsh realities faced by women in her society. She indicates that a woman must excel far beyond her male counterparts, achieving extraordinary accomplishments just to be seen as worthy, instead of being recognized for her inherent rights to success or education.

This reflection highlights the systemic inequalities that demand women to outperform men and yet still face barriers, such as the inability to obtain a degree despite exceptional achievements. Florence's words encapsulate the struggle for recognition and the need for women to continuously prove themselves in a patriarchal framework.