How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
I'm fifteen and must think about maturing into a Christian lady. (2.1.6)
By "Christian lady" Leah really means "American gender norms," like not climbing trees or playing in the dirt. (Um, there's an age limit on that?)
Quote #5
"Climbing trees is for boys and monkeys." (2.2.18)
The doctor in Stanleyville might be politically progressive, but gender equality, um, not so much. (Also, equating boys to monkeys is pretty fifth-grade of him.)
Quote #6
It troubled Leah that people thought our household deficient [...] because we lacked a bákala mpandi—a strong man—to oversee us. (3.4.8)
Even in Kilanga, where the women seem to do all the work, the villagers still look down on the Prices for not having a strong man. When Leah steps up to the duties, they disparage her for it.