"The compelled mother loves her child as the caged bird sings. The song does not justify the cage nor the love the enforcement"

This quote by Germaine Greer speaks to the concept of love that is required or forced. The mother loves her kid out of responsibility, not out of choice. This is similar to the caged bird that sings, regardless of its captivity. The bird's tune does not make the cage any less oppressive, nor does the mother's love make the enforcement of her obligation any less incorrect. Greer is suggesting that love must be easily offered, not required. Love ought to be an option, not an obligation. The quote talks to the idea that love should be genuine and not based on any external elements. Greer is suggesting that love must be pure and not be based upon any type of coercion. Love must be a choice, not a requirement.