Men have marble, women waxen, minds

Men have marble, women waxen, minds

The quote "Men have marble, women waxen, minds" is from William Shakespeare's play "The Comedy of Errors." In this line, Shakespeare is exploring the differences between men and women, particularly in terms of their mental capacities.

The comparison of men's minds to marble suggests strength, durability, and permanence. Marble is a hard, solid material that is often used in sculptures and architecture, symbolizing stability and endurance. By likening men's minds to marble, Shakespeare is implying that men possess strong, unyielding intellects that are capable of withstanding the test of time.

On the other hand, the comparison of women's minds to waxen suggests fragility, malleability, and impermanence. Wax is a soft, pliable material that can easily be molded and shaped, but it is also susceptible to melting and deformation. By likening women's minds to waxen, Shakespeare is suggesting that women have more fluid, changeable intellects that are easily influenced and shaped by external forces.

This distinction between men's marble minds and women's waxen minds reflects the gender norms and stereotypes of Shakespeare's time. In Elizabethan society, men were often seen as rational, logical, and strong-willed, while women were viewed as emotional, irrational, and easily swayed. Shakespeare's use of this metaphor reinforces these traditional gender roles and expectations.

However, it is important to note that Shakespeare's portrayal of gender in his plays is complex and multifaceted. While he may have perpetuated certain stereotypes, he also created strong, independent female characters who defy traditional gender norms and expectations. In "The Comedy of Errors," for example, the female characters are resourceful, intelligent, and capable of outsmarting the men in the play.

Overall, the quote "Men have marble, women waxen, minds" highlights the differences between men and women in terms of their mental strengths and weaknesses. While Shakespeare may have been reflecting the gender norms of his time, his work also challenges and subverts these stereotypes, showcasing the complexity and diversity of human nature.