We have changed our privacy policy. In addition, we use cookies on our website for various purposes. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn about our practices by reading our privacy policy.

Gender Quotes in The Red Tent

How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

[…] even the men, for whom the babies held as little fascination as cooking stones, would stoop to run a callused hand across her remarkable cheek. (1.1.15)

Gender roles back in Dinah's time were pretty stereotypical: the men didn't pay much attention to daughters. But Rachel wasn't your typical child. Her beauty even as a child made the men stop and stare.

Quote #2

[…] not even Rachel's youth would excuse a girl speaking out when men were addressing one another. (1.1.21)

Gender roles have a huge impact even on children. For a girl to speak out while men are talking is like throwing your Spaghetti-Os at the wall during a dinner party. Why do you think this society is set up this way?

Quote #3

She was half a head taller than most of the men she had ever seen, and she dismissed them all because of it. (1.1.29)

Leah is a big woman, which places her outside of the norm for what a woman should be and look like. So to counter her unusual state, she decides that she'll dismiss any man who is smaller than her. Sounds reasonable.