Meaning: The quote "This is courtship all the world over - the man all tongue; the woman all ears" by Emily Murphy, a Canadian women's rights activist, succinctly captures the traditional dynamics of courtship and the gender roles often associated with it. Emily Murphy was a prominent figure in the early 20th century and played a significant role in advocating for women's rights in Canada. This quote reflects her keen understanding of the power dynamics at play in relationships and the societal expectations placed on men and women during courtship.

In the context of courtship, the phrase "the man all tongue" suggests that men are typically expected to be the initiators and pursuers in romantic relationships. They are often portrayed as being more vocal, expressive, and assertive in their pursuit of a partner. This aligns with traditional gender norms that place emphasis on men as the primary communicators and initiators in romantic relationships. Men are often expected to take the lead in expressing their feelings, desires, and intentions during courtship.

On the other hand, the phrase "the woman all ears" highlights the expectation for women to be attentive listeners and receptive to the advances and gestures of their male counterparts during courtship. This reflects the societal expectation for women to be passive recipients of romantic attention and to respond to the expressions of affection or interest from men. The quote suggests that women are expected to be attentive, receptive, and responsive to the words and actions of men during the courtship process.

In many traditional societies, these gendered expectations in courtship have been deeply ingrained and perpetuated through cultural norms, socialization, and media portrayals of romance. Men are often encouraged to be assertive, confident, and vocal in expressing their romantic interest, while women are socialized to be attentive, nurturing, and responsive to the advances of men.

The quote also hints at the power dynamics at play in traditional courtship rituals, where men are positioned as the active agents in pursuing and wooing women, while women are expected to be passive and receptive. This dynamic reflects broader gender power imbalances and traditional notions of masculinity and femininity that have historically shaped societal expectations around courtship and romantic relationships.

Emily Murphy, as an activist and advocate for women's rights, may have used this quote to highlight the unequal power dynamics and gendered expectations that often define courtship. By succinctly capturing the essence of traditional courtship dynamics, she draws attention to the ways in which gender norms and expectations shape the experiences of men and women in romantic relationships.

In conclusion, Emily Murphy's quote "This is courtship all the world over - the man all tongue; the woman all ears" offers a thought-provoking commentary on the traditional gender dynamics and power imbalances inherent in courtship rituals. It serves as a reminder of the societal expectations and gendered roles that have historically shaped the dynamics of romantic relationships, and invites reflection on the ways in which these dynamics impact individuals and their experiences of courtship and love.