Meaning: This quote by Angela Carter, a renowned novelist, offers a thought-provoking comparison between the bed and the dinner table, suggesting that the private space of the bed has become as public and formal as the communal space of the dinner table. Angela Carter was known for her feminist perspective and her ability to challenge traditional gender norms and societal expectations, and this quote reflects her astute observations about the evolving dynamics of intimacy and social interactions.

The comparison of the bed to the dinner table implies a shift in the way we perceive and navigate intimacy and privacy. Traditionally, the bed has been regarded as the most private and intimate space, reserved for personal moments and interactions. In contrast, the dinner table is a communal space where social norms and etiquettes govern interactions. By equating the bed with the dinner table, Angela Carter suggests that the once-private realm of the bed has now adopted the formal rules and expectations that are typically associated with public spaces.

In today's society, the concept of privacy and intimacy has undergone significant transformations, largely influenced by technological advancements, changing social norms, and evolving cultural attitudes. The proliferation of social media and digital communication has blurred the boundaries between public and private spheres, impacting how individuals perceive and experience intimacy. As a result, the bed, which was traditionally seen as a sanctuary for personal and intimate moments, has become subject to external influences and societal expectations.

Furthermore, the comparison drawn by Angela Carter sheds light on the impact of societal norms on personal relationships and intimacy. The "rules of formal confrontation" mentioned in the quote allude to the structured and regulated nature of interactions at the dinner table, where social norms dictate behavior and communication. By extending this analogy to the bed, Carter highlights the imposition of external expectations and norms on private, intimate moments. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the pressures and constraints that individuals may feel in their personal relationships, as societal expectations seep into the most private aspects of their lives.

From a feminist perspective, this quote may also be interpreted as a critique of the ways in which societal norms and patriarchal structures permeate even the most intimate spaces. Historically, the bed has been a site of gendered power dynamics and expectations, and by likening it to the formal rules of the dinner table, Angela Carter may be drawing attention to the ways in which traditional gender roles and expectations infiltrate intimate relationships. The comparison serves as a reminder of the pervasive nature of societal expectations and the ways in which they influence personal interactions and relationships.

In conclusion, Angela Carter's quote offers a poignant reflection on the evolving dynamics of intimacy and privacy in contemporary society. By equating the bed with the dinner table and referencing the "rules of formal confrontation," Carter prompts readers to consider the ways in which private spaces are influenced by external expectations and societal norms. This comparison invites contemplation on the impact of technology, changing social norms, and gender dynamics on personal relationships and intimacies, making it a thought-provoking and relevant commentary on the intersection of private and public spheres in modern society.