The way in which the apparent contradictions are presented is one of the high points of the book

The way in which the apparent contradictions are presented is one of the high points of the book. Further, the attachment to the father is never out of the picture.

The book also makes it clear that women “both adapt to and resent the dominant stereotype” thrust upon them by society. As with the attachment to their mothers, the duality of living the part assigned to them by society and at the same time resisting it makes the life of a woman that much more interesting for artists to portray in their pieces of work. Thus, the daughter has a special relationship with their mothers as evidenced by the fact that the mother is the one who has to make her “learn the paces”. But, her relationship with the father is one of subordinating herself as well as receiving special treatment because she is a woman.

The other interesting point is the way in which women treat the rooms in their homes. The living room is for common purposes and where men go about their business. The kitchen is the place where women rule the roost.