“I see when men love women. They give them but a little of their lives. But women when they love give everything.”
- October 16, 1854 – November 30, 1900
- Irish
- Author, poet, playwright
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Quote
“I see when men love women. They give them but a little of their lives. But women when they love give everything.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde explores the differing nature of love between men and women. He suggests that men, when in love, tend to hold back and only offer a limited part of themselves—perhaps due to societal expectations of masculinity, independence, or fear of vulnerability. In contrast, women, when they love, are portrayed as giving everything—their emotions, energy, and commitment—in a more complete and unreserved way. Wilde emphasizes the idea that love for women involves a deeper sacrifice and a more total investment in the relationship, while men may keep parts of themselves protected or reserved.
This comment touches on the traditional gender roles and expectations about love in Wilde’s time, where women were often seen as more emotionally expressive and men as more stoic or guarded in their relationships. Wilde uses this contrast to make a statement about the emotional depth and selflessness often associated with women in love, while also hinting at the emotional limitations placed on men by societal norms.
In modern contexts, this quote might be seen as an exploration of the dynamics of love and the emotional labor that can be expected from different genders in relationships. It speaks to the way love is sometimes viewed as a giving force, with women expected to give their all, while men are often encouraged to hold back or maintain a level of control. Wilde’s words invite us to reflect on the unbalanced expectations of romantic commitment and how gender influences how love is both expressed and experienced.
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