This quote poignantly captures the brutal paradox faced by many pioneering women throughout history. It highlights the tragic reality that even women who manage to embrace and assert their womanhood fully are often undermined and broken by a society not yet ready to accept them on their own terms. It resonates deeply with the tension between individual authenticity and systemic oppression.

Women such as Sylvia Plath, Dorothy Parker, Frida Kahlo, Cleopatra, Boudicca, and Joan of Arc serve as compelling examples. They were trailblazers in their respective fields—literature, art, leadership, and courage—reflecting the multitude of ways women have challenged expectations. Yet, their legacies are marred by personal struggles and societal backlash, showing how the external environment could be unforgiving. It’s a stark reminder of how deeply entrenched patriarchal systems can stifle even the most determined and talented women.

This quote also challenges the romantic notion of heroism for women by exposing the cost of rebellion and success within a hostile society. It underscores the need not only to celebrate these women’s achievements but also to recognize the structural barriers that persist in oppressing women's full expressions of life. The idea that society remains 'wrong' while these women strive to be 'right' draws attention to the slow evolution, or in many cases, stagnation, of societal attitudes toward gender equality.

Furthermore, it prompts reflection on how historical narratives are constructed and remembered. Often, women's successes are overshadowed by their hardships, but this quote suggests that acknowledging the totality of their experiences—including their defeats—is crucial to understanding the real challenges women have faced and continue to face.

Ultimately, it is a call to rethink the impact of social structures on women's lives and to foster a society where women are not merely admired as crushed historical figures but are supported and free to flourish without compromise or ruin.