Implications of Gender and Language, in Robert Jordan Wheel of Time

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Beginning with, 1990's The Eye of the World, Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series of Fantasy novels has received critical acclaim not only for the complexity of the world he created, but also for his portrayal of strong female characters in a heavily matriarchal society. In' the village of Emmon's Field, Bran al"Vere is mayor, and the all-male Village Counsel acts, as a governing body. In general, however, it is the Women's Circle that makes decisions concerning the village, and Nynaeve al'Meara in particular, as Wisdom. Aiel, a desert dwelling warrior society, have similar style of rule: they have clan chiefs, but it is Wise Ones who are the ultimate authority. What sets theAiei apart is their use of female soldiers known as Maidens of the Spear.: They practice polygamy, but only women are allowed to offer marriage proposals. Atha'an Miere, or Sea Folk, fall under the 'rule of The Mistress of Ships. Ships have female captains 'and all male crews, and the interesting takeaway from this culture is-that they refer tothe ships: as "he', rather than the traditional "she". The country of Andor is ruled by a queen, with the next in the line of succession known as the "Daughter Heir". In Cairhien, some of the most skilled players of'Daes Dae 'mar (Game of Houses) are the noble' women vying for power. Queen Tylin of Altara takes openly takes Mat Cauthon':asher "toy", and many female characters 'beside the queen refer to him as such.
The most prominent 'female figures are Aes Sédai sisters of the White Tower, women ableto "channel" the "One Power", the source of magic in the world. 'They act as custodians of knowledge, he1ers, diplomats, ,and warriors who often work as advisors' to monarchs. Men are also able to channel, but due to an e...

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...ealing clothing for their husband's benefit, then chastise themselves immediately after for being woolheads. Min Farshaw wears men's britches and her hair short, and is chastised by her aunts and given disapproving looks by highborn ladies. Deira Bashere is a fearsome woman in public, but in a scene with her significantly shorter husband
Davram, daughter Zarine, and son-in-law Perryn, she reveals her submissionto Davram. They feel sorrow when they dye or cut their hair when it is necessary for survival. Among certain cultures hairstyles convey symbols, as does growing and painting fingernails in another. :

Works Cited
Tannen, Deborah Talk in the Intimate Relationship His and Hers HarperCollins Publishers 1986 P 133-151
Urla, Jaqueline, Swedland, Alan C Measuring Up to Barbie Ideals of the Femenine Body in Popular Culture Bloomington Indiana Press 1995 P 277-313

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