I could spell it, I say. Write it down. He hesitates at this novel idea. Possibly he doesn't remember I can. I've never held a pen or a pencil, in this room, not even to add up the scores. Women can't add, he once said, jokingly. When I asked him what he meant, he said, For them, one and one and one and one don't make four. What
Margaret Atwood The Handmaid's Tale
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In "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood, a character reflects on the power of literacy and the assumptions made about women. The quote reveals a moment of hesitation when the protagonist suggests writing down something. This underscores the historical perception of women's capabilities, particularly in mathematics and literacy. The male character's humor highlights a societal belief that underestimates women's intelligence and skills.

This exchange serves as a poignant reminder of how women have often been marginalized in areas like education and expression. The protagonist's awareness of her ability to spell and write contrasts sharply with the limited expectations placed upon her. Atwood emphasizes the importance of reclaiming one's voice and the struggle against deeply ingrained stereotypes, showcasing women's resilience in the face of oppression.

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The Handmaid's Tale
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Margaret Atwood
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Other quotes in The Handmaid's Tale

Its racist policies, for instance, were firmly rooted in the pre-Gilead period, and racist fears provided some of the emotional fuel that allowed the Gilead takeover to succeed as well as it did.
Margaret Atwood The Handmaid's Tale
Its racist policies, for instance, were firmly rooted in the pre-Gilead period, and racist fears provided some of the emotional fuel that allowed the Gilead takeover to succeed as well as it did.
This may not seem ordinary to you now, but after a time it will. It will become ordinary.
Margaret Atwood The Handmaid's Tale
This may not seem ordinary to you now, but after a time it will. It will become ordinary.
I still have it in me to feel sorry for him. Moira is right, I am a wimp.
Margaret Atwood The Handmaid's Tale
I still have it in me to feel sorry for him. Moira is right, I am a wimp.
That is a reconstruction, too.
Margaret Atwood The Handmaid's Tale
That is a reconstruction, too.
Red all over the cupboard, mirth rhymes with birth, oh to die of laughter.
Margaret Atwood The Handmaid's Tale
Red all over the cupboard, mirth rhymes with birth, oh to die of laughter.
There were stories in the newspapers, of course, corpses in ditches or the woods, bludgeoned to death or mutilated, interfered with, as they used to say, but they were about other women, and the men who did such things were other men. None
Margaret Atwood The Handmaid's Tale
There were stories in the newspapers, of course, corpses in ditches or the woods, bludgeoned to death or mutilated, interfered with, as they used to say, but they were about other women, and the men who did such things were other men. None
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Other quotes in book quote

All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Edward Gorey Ascending Peculiarity:...
All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
For me the curse is a crutch, but the con is everything.
Holly Black White Cat
For me the curse is a crutch, but the con is everything.
I don't have anything against God. Far from it. But I don't understand Him. And I don't trust a lot of the people that go around claiming that they're working in His best interests.
Jim Butcher Grave Peril
I don't have anything against God. Far from it. But I don't understand Him. And I don't trust a lot of the people that go around claiming that they're working in His best interests.
I found Esau's field guide at the bottom of my pack. Taking a candle into the bedroom, I read his book until my eyes grew heavy. From his vast notes, it seemed that almost every plant and tree in the jungle had a reason for existing. I caught myself wishing there was a page in his guide that had my picture on it with the reason for my existence written underneath in Esau's neat hand.
Maria V. Snyder Magic Study
I found Esau's field guide at the bottom of my pack. Taking a candle into the bedroom, I read his book until my eyes grew heavy. From his vast notes, it seemed that almost every plant and tree in the jungle had a reason for existing. I caught myself wishing there was a page in his guide that had my picture on it with the reason for my existence written underneath in Esau's neat hand.
Here's a nifty solution: Each couple that marries should take on an entirely new surname, chosen however they want as long as both agree to it, so that a day after the wedding, both husband and wife can hold hands and joyfully journey off to the municipal offices to change their passports, driver's licenses, signatures, initials, bank accounts, etc.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Dear Ijeawele, or A...
Here's a nifty solution: Each couple that marries should take on an entirely new surname, chosen however they want as long as both agree to it, so that a day after the wedding, both husband and wife can hold hands and joyfully journey off to the municipal offices to change their passports, driver's licenses, signatures, initials, bank accounts, etc.
{...} what I wish for Chizalum is the following: that she is full of opinions, and that her opinions stem from a well-informed, humane, and open mind. That she have health and happiness. That she have the life she wants to have.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Dear Ijeawele, or A...
{...} what I wish for Chizalum is the following: that she is full of opinions, and that her opinions stem from a well-informed, humane, and open mind. That she have health and happiness. That she have the life she wants to have.
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