There is something revolting about the way girls' minds often jump to marriage long before they jump to love. And most of those minds are shut to what marriage really means.

Dodie Smith’s quote critiques the way girls' minds are often preoccupied with marriage before they have the opportunity to fully understand the concept of love. She finds it revolting that society sometimes encourages young girls to think about marriage as a goal or end point, rather than developing a deeper emotional connection rooted in love. This perspective suggests that marriage is viewed as a social achievement or expectation, rather than a partnership based on mutual understanding, respect, and affection.

Smith also points out that many of these young girls, in their eagerness to envision marriage, fail to comprehend what it truly entails. She suggests that marriage is often idealized or misunderstood, with many minds being shut to the realities and responsibilities that come with it. By highlighting this, Smith emphasizes that the institution of marriage requires more than just the fantasy of a wedding or the idea of settling down. It demands a commitment to personal growth, mutual effort, and long-term emotional maturity.

The quote challenges societal norms that romanticize marriage and downplay the complex nature of love and relationships. Smith is advocating for a shift in priorities—encouraging girls to first understand the depths of love and develop a strong sense of self before focusing on marriage as a measure of their value or success. She criticizes the narrow and simplified view of marriage that many young people are exposed to, suggesting that they are not given the full picture of what it truly requires.

Originating from Dodie Smith’s work as a writer, known for her novels such as I Capture the Castle, this quote reflects her feminist and progressive views on gender roles and relationships. Smith often wrote about the expectations placed on women and the limitations of traditional social norms, which is evident in this critique of the way marriage is often idealized without a clear understanding of what it truly means. Through her words, Smith calls for a more thoughtful, realistic approach to both love and marriage, one that emphasizes personal growth and emotional readiness.