"In almost every marriage there is a selfish and an unselfish partner. A pattern is set up and soon becomes inflexible, of one person always making the demands and one person always giving way"

This quote by Iris Murdoch speaks to the power dynamics that can exist in a marital relationship. It suggests that in many marital relationships, one partner is more self-centered than the other, and that this dynamic can end up being entrenched in time. The selfish partner is viewed as the one who makes demands, while the unselfish partner is viewed as the one who gives way. This pattern can end up being rigid and inflexible, making it tough for either partner to break out of it. This quote highlights the significance of interaction and understanding in a marital relationship, as it can assist to avoid the development of such an unequal dynamic. It likewise recommends that it is possible to break out of this pattern, but it requires effort and understanding from both partners.