The Red Tent Theme of Love

There's a whole lot of lovin' going around in The Red Tent—in both the book and in the actual red tent. Since the main focus for most of the book revolves around childbirth, we get to see the love lives of all of Laban's daughters. Leah, Rachel, and Bilhah all fall in love with Jacob, but Zilpah is rather repulsed by men in general. Similarly, these women all give birth and have an immense love for their children that exceeds any kind of romantic love for them.

And then there's Dinah, the woman who falls in love twice—but that's another story.

Questions About Love

  1. Does Re-nefer love Dinah for who she is, or does she love her because she gives her a son?
  2. Does Jacob love any of his wives more than others? Or does he love them equally?
  3. Is Dinah's love for Benia the same as her love for Shalem?