You're gutless. It's how you were made. And that's not such a bad thing because your saving grace is that you've never lied to yourself about it. Not about that. Nothing wrong with cowardice as long as it comes with prudence. But when a coward stops remembering who he is... God help him.
Like a compass needle that points north, a man's accusing finger always finds a woman. Always.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote illustrates how society often unjustly blames women for various issues while ignoring men's contributions to these problems.
Khaled Hosseini's quote highlights the tendency of individuals to shift blame onto women for a wide array of societal problems and injustices. The imagery of a compass needle consistently pointing north symbolizes the unwavering nature of this accusation, suggesting that, regardless of context, women are often the targets of criticism and blame. This quote invites reflection on gender dynamics and the unfairness women face in both personal and societal spheres.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about gender roles in society.
More from Khaled Hosseini
All quotes βThere was brotherhood between people who had fed from the same breast, a kinship that even time could not break. - Amir
I don't outline at all; I don't find it useful, and I don't like the way it boxes me in. I like the element of surprise and spontaneity, of letting the story find its own way.
And that's the thing about people who mean everything they say. They think everyone else does too.
Perspective [is] a luxury when your head [is] constantly buzzing with a swarm of demons.
The desert weed lives on, but the flower of spring blooms and wilts.
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I always felt like the rug could be pulled out from under me at anytime. And coming from a racially mixed background, I always felt like I didn't really fit in anywhere.
The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth will ever be.
When you meet someone, you can silently send them a blessing, wishing them happiness, joy and laughter. This kind of silent giving is very powerful.
Had it taken her this long to discover that she lacked some simple mental trick that everyone else had, a mechanism so ordinary that no one ever mentioned it, an immediate sensual connection to people and events, and to her own needs and desires? All these years she had lived in isolation within herself and, strangely, from herself, never wanting or daring to look back.
Men impose deception on women and punish them for being deceived, force them down to the lowest level and punish them for falling so low, bind them in marriage and then chastise them with menial service for life, or insults, or blows.