How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
The fifth room used to be her workroom, but she couldn't remember the last time she'd embroidered or crocheted, or darned a stocking. She couldn't remember the last time she'd worn a stocking, truth be told. (9.59)
What do you think of when you hear the word workroom? A desk. Maybe a computer. Or perhaps power tools, art supplies, or a drafting table. A place where someone could get a little work done, right? Well that's not the kind of workroom Katsa is expected to have. Katsa's work, when she wasn't out acting as her uncle's royal thug, was supposed to consist of things like sewing, embroidery, and crocheting.
Now those are all perfectly valid pursuits, right up until the point where they become assigned to and required of a person because of gender. Of course on this point, as on many others, Katsa bucks the trend. For more on Katsa's workroom, check out the "Symbols" section.
Quote #8
"You're not an unnatural woman, Katsa. You can fight as other women can't, but you're not so different from other women. You'll want babies. I'm certain of it." (13.11-12)
Whoa. Did you catch that? Giddon is implying here that it would be unnatural for a woman to not want to reproduce. Hm. We wonder if he feels the same way about men. Is it unnatural for a man to not want children, or is that okay, even normal? See what we're getting at here? Whenever society (or Giddon) makes statements about what is natural for a person to want, society (or Giddon) is also saying that anyone who doesn't share those particular desires is unnatural. And we don't think that's either: (a) true, or (b) okay.
Quote #9
Po tilted his head at her. "Do you dislike children?"
"I've never disliked the children I've met. I've just never wanted them. I haven't wanted to mother them. I can't explain it." (17.99-100)
How do you feel when you read Katsa's response here? Can you relate? Does it seem strange to you for a person to not want to have children? Does it matter that Katsa is a woman?