How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #7
COUNTY ATTORNEY: Yes, but I would like to see what you take, Mrs. Peters, and keep an eye out for anything that might be of use to us.
MRS. PETERS: Yes, Mr. Henderson. (49-50)
Don't miss how the Attorney immediately asserts his big bad male authority here. The Sheriff says he's confident his wife has it all under control, and the Attorney says, "Well, how about I make sure, huh?" The point is: the County Attorney is the alpha male here, and he wants everybody to know it.
Quote #8
MRS. PETERS: Not to know him; I've seen him in town. They say he was a good man.
MRS. HALE: Yes—good; he didn't drink, and kept his word as well as most, I guess, and paid his debts. But he was a hard man, Mrs. Peters. Just to pass the time of day with him—(shivers) Like a raw wind that gets to the bone. (pauses, her eye falling on the cage) I should think she would 'a wanted a bird. (104-105)
These lines give us the clearest definition in the play of what society considered a "good man" at this time. Mr. Wright didn't drink, lie, or ring up a bunch of debt. Notice how the play immediately undercuts this, though, Mrs. Hale points out how harsh and unloving he was. Hmm, wonder what the play is saying makes a good man?
Quote #9
MRS. PETERS: (in a whisper) When I was a girl—my kitten—there was a boy took a hatchet, and before my eyes—and before I could get there—(covers her face an instant) If they hadn't held me back I would have—(catches herself, looks upstairs where steps are heard, falters weakly)—hurt him. (126)
Not only does the play portray men as cold hearted misogynists and bird stranglers, little boys are shown as axe murderers with a taste for kittens. Well, we've only got one kitty-killing little boy, but you get the point. Over and over again, the play shows men as aggressors against women and the things women cherish.