How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
It ought not be like that, Rachel told herself, and she knew that for a few folks it wasn't. They could make a wrong choice and be on their way with no more bother than a cow swishing a fly with its tail. That wasn't right either. Her anger made it easier to go to the shed and get the axe. When Rachel stepped into the stall, the raccoon didn't move. (7.44)
When Rachel catches a raccoon stealing her eggs, she kills it right then and there. While she's kinder than Serena, there is a toughness and perseverance to her as well. We like the fact that Rachel can be nurturing and loving to Jacob and Widow Jenkins while still slaughtering an intruder when she needs to. Mad props, girl.
Quote #8
"Physical strength is your gender's sole advantage." (14.36)
Oh, snap. With this zinger, Serena points out that men aren't as perceptive as women. We have to hand it to her—she was right about Buchanan and Wilkie trying to sell their land (which is what they are debating here). It's important to note that she frames this in terms of gender, showing off what men can and can't do.
Quote #9
Serena's coat had been left in the woods, and Pemberton noticed several men stared at her stomach in amazement. He suspected the workers thought of Serena as beyond gender, the same as they might some phenomenon of nature such as rain or lightning. (18.41)
We love the idea that someone can be beyond gender. Everyone has assumptions about Serena simply because she's a woman, but here she gets a chance to show off a different side to herself. One that is not as cold and manipulative, perhaps.