How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Intelligent. Attractive. Vulnerable. (3.22)
In a moment taken straight from teenage nightmares, Coach asks Patch to list the characteristics he'd look for in a potential mate. It's promising from an anti-stereotype point of view that Patch lists "intelligent" first. The problem is he never really seems interested in Nora's intellect. The other two qualities on his list play perfectly into stereotypes of the weak and objectified woman, though.
Quote #2
Coach continued, 'Since the dawn of time, women have been attracted to mates with strong survival skills—like intelligence and physical prowess—because men with these qualities are more likely to bring home dinner at the end of the day.' He stuck his thumbs in the air and grinned 'Dinner equals survival team.' (3.32)
"Since the dawn of time…" Yikes. Those are fighting words for academics, who put forth great effort to point out that gender identities are cultural constructs that change with time and social, political, religious, and economic influences. Men and women today are the same as men and women of the Stone Age? Really, Coach? Coach points out that he's taking the scientific approach, but nevertheless, he comes off as a Neanderthal.
Quote #3
'Likewise,' he continued, 'men are attracted to beauty because it indicates health and youth—no point mating with a sickly woman who won't be around to raise the children.' (3.34)
Just above we quote Coach's stereotypical views of men, and here are the stereotypical views of women. Vee points out, "That is so sexist […] Tell me something that relates to a woman in the twenty-first century" (3.35). We can't help but notice, though, that the stereotypes read like precise explanations of why Nora is attracted to Patch, and Patch to Nora. These are the stereotypes we're up against. Let's see if the novel confirms them or tears them down.