How we cite our quotes: (Chapter, Paragraph)
Quote #7
I'm beginning to think it's a town run by women. I can often hear their silences as they walk by outside and I can hear men's Noise responding to it, too, sometimes with chafing but usually in a way that just gets on with things. (18.108)
Farbranch has used this difference between genders to create more harmony, which is the opposite of what Prentisstown did. Because women's thoughts aren't shared, they do the ruling—it's not about whose better or smarter, it's just about being practical. The men are described as grumbling here and there, but for the most part, everybody's okay with the system.
Quote #8
She nods. "I asked Doctor Snow why they did it here, and he said, "To keep men's thoughts private."
I shrug. "It makes an awful racket, but it kinds makes sense, don't it? One way to deal with the Noise."
"Men's thoughts, Todd," she says. "Men. And you notice he said he was going to ask the eldermen to come seek out your advice?" (33.17-19)
We see some chauvinism going on in Carbonel Downs. Here, women don't get a say in anything, and they're even forced to live in a separate building outside of town. Todd doesn't notice because it doesn't affect him, but Viola picks up on this right away. Doctor Snow wants to talk to Todd about important things, but doesn't even consider asking Viola.
Quote #9
"The army your girl's been talking about has been spotted marching down the river road," Doctor Snow says. "One of our scouts just reported them as less than an hour away."
"She ain't my girl," I say, low.
"She's her own girl," I say. "She don't belong to anyone." (35.28-30)
Doctor Snow is condescending when he refers to Viola as Todd's "girl," and Todd picks up on this undertone and sticks up for her, saying that she is her own person. Oh sexism—ugh.