“There are women who have forgotten that to be a woman doesn't simply mean humiliation, doesn't simply mean bitterness. I haven't forgotten it yet," she added, "in spite of you.” WomenRelationshipsGenderBitternessHumiliationGender Relationships Book:Giovanni’s Room Source: Giovanni’s Room
“I wanted a woman to be for me a steady ground, like the earth itself, where I could always be renewed.” MenWomenRelationshipsGenderGender Roles Book:Giovanni’s Room Source: Giovanni’s Room
“I began to realize it in Spain--that I wasn't free, that I couldn't be free until I was attached--no, committed--to someone." "To someone? Not something?" She was silent. "I don't know," she said at last, "but I'm beginning to think that women get attached to something really by default. They'd give it up, if they could, anytime, for a man. Of course they can't admit this, and neither can most of them let go of what they have. But I think it kills them--perhaps I only mean," she added, after a moment, "that it would have killed me.” WomenRelationshipsAttachmentsCommitments Book:Giovanni’s Room Source: Giovanni’s Room
“Men--not just babies like you, but old men, too--they always need a woman to tell them the truth. Les hommes, ils sont impossibles.” TruthWomenGenderGender RolesWomen S StrengthWomen And Men Book:Giovanni’s Room Source: Giovanni’s Room
“It does seem - well, difficult - to be at the mercy of some gross, unshaven stranger before you can begin to be yourself.” MenSelfWomenRelationshipsIdentity Author:James Baldwin