"Curiosity, n. An objectionable quality of the female mind. The desire to know whether or not a woman is cursed with curiosity is one of the most active and insatiable passions of the masculine soul"

This quote by Ambrose Bierce is a satirical comment on the gender roles of the time. He is implying that females are seen as being too curious and inquisitive, which this is viewed as an undesirable characteristic. He likewise suggests that men are driven by a passion to know whether or not a woman wonders, suggesting that guys are more interested in controlling and restricting women's interest than in encouraging it. This quote is a reflection of the patriarchal society of the time, in which women were anticipated to be subservient and obedient to men. Bierce's quote is a suggestion of the importance of difficult gender roles and stereotypes, and of the need to produce a society in which ladies are free to reveal their curiosity and explore their interests.