“ Why is it that a woman can see from a distance what a man cannot see close? ”
Thomas Hardy, The Return of the Native (1878). copy citation
| Author | Thomas Hardy |
|---|---|
| Source | The Return of the Native |
| Topic | woman insight lucidity |
| Date | 1878 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/17500/17500-h/17500-h.htm |
Context
“"It was before he knew me that he thought of her, and it was nothing but a mere flirtation."
"Very well; we will let it be so. There is little use in unravelling that now. Sons must be blind if they will. Why is it that a woman can see from a distance what a man cannot see close? Clym must do as he will—he is nothing more to me. And this is maternity—to give one's best years and best love to ensure the fate of being despised!"
"You are too unyielding. Think how many mothers there are whose sons have brought them to public shame by real crimes before you feel so deeply a case like this."” source
"Very well; we will let it be so. There is little use in unravelling that now. Sons must be blind if they will. Why is it that a woman can see from a distance what a man cannot see close? Clym must do as he will—he is nothing more to me. And this is maternity—to give one's best years and best love to ensure the fate of being despised!"
"You are too unyielding. Think how many mothers there are whose sons have brought them to public shame by real crimes before you feel so deeply a case like this."” source
Meaning and analysis
