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Poetry · Chapter
LXXXV explained
A brief reflection on the nature of luxuries and necessities, suggesting that luxuries often disguise themselves as necessities, while woman uniquely asserts herself as a luxury.
What happens
A brief reflection on the nature of luxuries and necessities, suggesting that luxuries often disguise themselves as necessities, while woman uniquely asserts herself as a luxury.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Self-Deception
The chapter explores how luxuries masquerade as necessaries, a form of deception.
Key passages
“Our luxuries are always masquerading as necessaries. Woman is the only necessary having the boldness and address to compel recognition as a luxury.”
We often pretend that our indulgences are essential needs. Only woman has the audacity and skill to be seen as both a necessity and a luxury.
The chapter contrasts the general deception of luxuries with woman's unique ability to be acknowledged as a luxury.