I often say that if you want to really want to understand the contract of marriage, just ask anyone who has been divorced. The marriage contract is one of property rights. Or maybe you can look in the Bible to see what Adam had to say about divorce, since Eve was his second wife.

Harvey Fierstein’s quote reflects his candid and somewhat satirical perspective on the institution of marriage, particularly focusing on how it is often viewed as a contract that involves property rights. He suggests that to truly understand the nature of marriage, one should look at the experiences of people who have been divorced, implying that the dissolution of a marriage often reveals the deeper, legalistic aspects of the relationship—such as the distribution of assets, or what is seen as property. This perspective challenges the idealized or romanticized view of marriage as solely a bond of love, presenting it instead as a contract where rights and ownership play a key role.

Fierstein also alludes to religious interpretations of marriage by referencing the Bible and its narrative of Adam and Eve, where Eve is described as Adam's second wife. Through this reference, Fierstein humorously critiques the historical and biblical foundations of marriage, suggesting that the concept of marriage and divorce has always been entangled with ownership and gender roles. The mention of Adam and Eve also highlights the patriarchal framework that has shaped the institution of marriage, where men have historically held power over women, and the divorce of a second wife is portrayed with a certain detached or transactional attitude.

By framing marriage as a contract with property rights, Fierstein critiques the way in which marriage has often been reduced to a legal arrangement rather than a partnership based on mutual respect and emotional connection. He implies that societal and legal structures have tended to prioritize the practical and material aspects of marriage over its more spiritual or emotional dimensions, especially when it comes to the legalities of divorce.

Originating from Fierstein’s career as an actor and playwright, known for his work in LGBTQ+ rights and gender issues, this quote reflects his larger critique of traditional social institutions like marriage. Fierstein often uses humor and satire to address serious topics, such as the complexities of relationships and the institution of marriage. His statement invites reflection on how cultural and legal structures around marriage have evolved, often influenced by property rights, patriarchy, and religious doctrine.