She could not escape asking {in the exact words and mental intonations which a thousand million women, dairy wenches and mischief-making queens, had used before her, and which a million million women will know hereafter}, "Was it all a horrible mistake, my marrying him?" She quieted the doubt--without answering it.
The passage reflects a woman's moment of introspection regarding her marriage, embodying a sentiment that has resonated with countless women throughout history. She questions whether her decision to marry was a significant mistake but ultimately suppresses that concern without seeking an answer. This internal conflict showcases the universal struggles women face in their relationships, particularly the doubt that can accompany significant life choices.
Through the character's deliberation, Sinclair Lewis reveals the pervasive nature of such thoughts across generations. The phrase captures the shared experience of doubt and emotional turmoil that many women endure, suggesting that these feelings are timeless and enduring. Even as she silences her worries, the question lingers, indicating the complexity of love, marriage, and personal fulfillment.
