I have lived through a fucking world war, I said, my voice low and venomous. I have lost a child. I have lost two husbands. I have starved with an army, been beaten and wounded, been patronized, betrayed, imprisoned, and attacked. And I have fucking survived! My voice was rising, but I was helpless to stop it. And now should I be shattered because some wretched, pathetic excuses for men stuck their nasty little appendages between my legs and wiggled them?!
The character expresses deep anger and trauma from her harrowing experiences throughout life, including surviving a world war, losing loved ones, and enduring violence and betrayal. Despite these extreme hardships, she finds strength in her survival, defiantly rejecting any notion that she should feel defeated by the inappropriate actions of men. Her emotional outburst powerfully conveys her resilience amidst the plethora of suffering she has faced.
This moment captures a profound declaration of survival and empowerment. Rather than allowing her past traumas to break her spirit, she confronts her pain and challenges the belittlement she encounters. The quote emphasizes her fierce determination and unapologetic stance against victimization, showcasing a character who, despite significant obstacles, refuses to be diminished by the actions of others.
