Meaning: This quote by Billie Burke, an actress known for her roles on stage and in film during the early 20th century, addresses the challenges faced by women in the entertainment industry, particularly in relation to marriage and career. The quote highlights the struggle that many women, especially those in the performing arts, have faced in balancing their personal lives with their professional aspirations.

In the quote, Burke emphasizes the inherent talent and ability of an actress to captivate and move an audience, whether it be through evoking tears or eliciting joyous merriment. She underscores the profound impact that a gifted actress can have on her audience, showcasing the emotional and transformative power of performance. However, Burke also acknowledges the societal expectations and constraints that have historically placed limitations on women's careers, particularly once they marry.

Burke's assertion that an actress should not have to "set aside her whole career" simply because she is married speaks to the prevalent notion that marriage often signaled the end of a woman's professional pursuits, especially in the entertainment industry. During the time when Burke was active in her career, the societal norms and expectations surrounding marriage and women's roles were deeply entrenched, often relegating married women to the domestic sphere and assuming that their primary focus should be on their families rather than their careers.

Despite the challenges and prejudices that women faced in balancing marriage and career, Burke herself was able to navigate these obstacles and maintain a successful acting career even after getting married. Her own experiences likely informed her perspective on this issue, and she became an advocate for women's rights and gender equality, both in the entertainment industry and beyond.

This quote is significant in shedding light on the historical struggles of women in the performing arts and their efforts to challenge traditional gender roles and societal expectations. It serves as a reminder of the barriers that women have had to confront in pursuing their professional ambitions while also navigating the expectations placed upon them as wives and mothers.

In contemporary society, there has been progress in dismantling some of the barriers that once limited women's career opportunities after marriage. However, challenges related to work-life balance, societal expectations, and gender discrimination still persist. Many women continue to grapple with the decision of whether to prioritize their careers or their personal lives, particularly when faced with the traditional expectations associated with marriage and motherhood.

In conclusion, Billie Burke's quote encapsulates the struggle of women in the entertainment industry to maintain their careers and personal fulfillment in the face of societal norms and expectations related to marriage. It serves as a poignant reminder of the historical challenges that women have confronted in pursuing their professional aspirations and the ongoing efforts to achieve gender equality in the arts and beyond.