How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"Have you any female caretakers, My Lady? […] Has anyone spoken to you of a woman's bleedings, My Lady, or of how it is with a man and a woman?"
Katsa didn't know what she meant, and she had a feeling this old woman could tell. (7.17-20)
Ah yes, the mysteries of the birds and the bees, the facts of life, the day your parents found you in the cabbage patch—also known as human reproduction and sexuality. It's a subject that makes lots of people act awkward and goofy (hence all the euphemisms), and the adults around Katsa are no exception.
But you see, there are things about growing up female (or male, for that matter) that are good to know. In advance. Something of which Helda is clearly aware. Of course, the reason Katsa consents to engage Helda as her personal servant isn't because she understands the value of having someone around to explain all the intricacies of her budding femininity—she just wants to get out of Randa's state dinners, something from which Helda promises to give her an occasional break.
Whatever Katsa's reasons were for accepting Helda's offer of service, we're glad she did because we think Helda's presence in her life is important. Which makes us wonder: Do girls need adult women to help them ease into womanhood? Do boys need adult men to help them ease into man-dom? Does gender matter when it comes to who provides the information?
Quote #5
"Helda," Katsa said, "how much time do you suppose I spend wondering which of the gentlemen finds me beautiful?"
"Not enough." (7.53-54)
If you've spent enough time with shows like The Brady Bunch or The Wonder Years, it's pretty hard to imagine there's anyone out there, male or female, who doesn't spend at least a little time wondering who finds them attractive. But we'll take Katsa at her word. And Helda at hers, which seems to suggest that a woman should spend a fair amount of time considering her romantic options.
Quote #6
It was the hairpins, and the dress, and the shoes that pinched her feet. It was having to hold her head still and sit straight, it was the infuriating earrings that brushed against her neck. That was why she couldn't stand to spend one moment longer at her uncle's fine dinner. (7.93)
What is it with women's fashion and crazy uncomfortable shoes? Sure we've heard women say that they find stilettos perfectly comfortable. We've even heard some women claim that they find heels more comfortable than sneakers, and maybe (just maybe) they're being truthful when they make these statements. But there's no denying that for hundreds of years now women have been expected to endure some pretty torturous inventions in the name of beauty, fashion, and femininity.
Think we're out of line? Then why did Katsa rip out her hairpins and throw her shoes in the fountain? And why is this article on WebMD?