“My mother sees things but from the distance; she does not weigh them in regard to my position, and she judges me too harshly. But she is my mother, who loves me dearly; and when she speaks, I can only bow my head.”
- November 2, 1755 – October 16, 1793
- From the Duchy of Austria, Holy Roman Empire
- Queen
- Influenced fashion and culture, and symbolized the splendor of court life
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Quote
“My mother sees things but from the distance; she does not weigh them in regard to my position, and she judges me too harshly. But she is my mother, who loves me dearly; and when she speaks, I can only bow my head.”
Explanation
In this quote, Marie Antoinette reflects on the relationship with her mother, Maria Theresa, the Empress of Austria, and the complexity of their interactions. While Marie Antoinette acknowledges her mother’s love and good intentions, she also reveals the distance that comes from Maria Theresa’s position, both physically and politically. As an Empress, Maria Theresa’s perspective was that of a ruler, often detached from the personal and practical challenges her daughter faced as queen of France. Marie Antoinette feels that her mother judges her too harshly because she does not fully understand the intricacies of Marie Antoinette’s position and the pressures of the French court.
Marie Antoinette’s statement about bowing her head when her mother speaks underscores the respect and obedience she feels compelled to show toward her mother, despite any feelings of being misunderstood. This dynamic reflects the broader tension between personal feelings and the duty to respect familial hierarchies, especially in the context of a royal family. Despite her struggles in France, Marie Antoinette’s reverence for her mother and her sense of duty as a daughter remained strong, even if she felt that her mother’s judgments were unfair.
In a modern context, this quote resonates with anyone who has faced the challenge of being misunderstood by a family member, particularly when they are in a position of authority or power. It speaks to the difficulties of balancing familial love with the reality of individual circumstances, especially when a loved one’s perspective is shaped by distance or different life experiences. The tension between respect for parental authority and the desire for autonomy is a universal experience that continues to shape relationships today.
