Meaning: The quote "Prostitution, although hounded, imprisoned, and chained, is nevertheless the greatest triumph of Puritanism." by Emma Goldman, an activist, encapsulates a thought-provoking perspective on the relationship between prostitution and the moral values upheld by Puritanism. In this quote, Goldman seems to be suggesting that the stigmatization and repression of prostitution are ultimately rooted in the Puritanical ideals that have shaped societal attitudes towards sexuality and human desires. To fully understand the implications of this quote, it is important to delve into the historical, social, and cultural contexts surrounding both Puritanism and the phenomenon of prostitution.

Puritanism was a religious movement that emerged in the 16th century as a response to the perceived corruption within the Church of England. Puritans sought to purify the church and society from what they viewed as sinful and immoral practices. Central to Puritan ideology was the belief in the inherent depravity of human nature and the necessity of strict moral discipline to combat such depravity. This emphasis on moral discipline and the suppression of natural human inclinations had a profound impact on the development of Western societal norms and values, particularly in relation to sexuality and the body.

Within the framework of Puritanism, sexuality was often regarded as a source of temptation and sin. Any form of sexual expression or behavior outside the confines of heterosexual marriage was condemned and deemed as immoral. This puritanical view of sexuality led to the stigmatization and marginalization of individuals engaged in activities such as prostitution, which was considered a blatant violation of the established moral order. The punitive measures taken against those involved in prostitution, including imprisonment and social ostracism, can be seen as manifestations of the puritanical desire to suppress and control human desires and behaviors that were deemed as deviant or sinful.

Goldman's assertion that prostitution is the "greatest triumph of Puritanism" can be interpreted as a commentary on the paradoxical nature of societal attitudes towards sexuality. On one hand, the puritanical values that vilify and seek to eradicate prostitution have inadvertently contributed to its endurance and proliferation. By labeling prostitution as immoral and criminalizing it, puritanical societies have inadvertently ensured that the profession persists in the shadows, perpetuating a cycle of repression and clandestine operations.

Furthermore, Goldman may be suggesting that the suppression of natural human desires and the imposition of rigid moral standards have led to the creation of an underground economy and culture around prostitution, effectively perpetuating the very phenomenon that puritanical values seek to eradicate. This can be seen as the "triumph" of Puritanism in the sense that its attempts to control and suppress human sexuality have ultimately resulted in the perpetuation of the very practices it sought to eliminate.

Additionally, by characterizing prostitution as the "greatest triumph of Puritanism," Goldman may be highlighting the societal hypocrisy and double standards that exist in relation to sexuality and moral values. While puritanical ideologies condemn and ostracize individuals engaged in prostitution, the demand for and prevalence of such services persist, often with the tacit acceptance or participation of those who outwardly uphold puritanical values.

In conclusion, Goldman's quote offers a thought-provoking critique of the complex interplay between puritanical values, societal attitudes towards sexuality, and the phenomenon of prostitution. By examining the historical and cultural contexts that have shaped these dynamics, it becomes evident that the repression and stigmatization of prostitution are deeply intertwined with the puritanical ideologies that have historically shaped Western societal norms. This quote invites us to critically reflect on the unintended consequences of moral repression and the ways in which societal attitudes towards sexuality have been influenced by puritanical values.