Maybe the best proof that the language is patriarchal is that it oversimplifies feeling. I'd like to have at my disposal complicated hybrid emotions. Germanic traincar constructions like, say, the happiness that attends disaster. Or: the disappointment of sleeping with one's fantasy. I'd like to show how intimations of mortality brought on by aging family members connects with the hatred of mirrors that begins in middle age.
In the exploration of language, the author argues that its patriarchal nature often leads to an oversimplification of complex human emotions. There is a desire for a more nuanced vocabulary that can capture the intricate tapestry of feelings, such as the joy intertwined with tragedy or the disillusionment faced when reality does not meet fantasy. This reflects a longing for a more sophisticated means of expression that acknowledges the depth of human experience.
Furthermore, the author highlights the emotional complexity associated with aging and familial relationships. The awareness of mortality, prompted by the decline of loved ones, intertwines with self-perception issues often observed in middle age, such as a growing disdain for one's reflection. This suggests that language should evolve to accommodate these hybrid emotions, offering a richer understanding of the human condition throughout different life stages.
