How we cite our quotes: (Chapter. Paragraph)
Quote #1
Italy is such a delightful place to live in if you happen to be a man. [...] In the democracy of the caffe or the street the great question of our life has been solved, and the brotherhood of man is a reality. But is accomplished at the expense of the sisterhood of women. Why should you not make friends with your neighbour at the theatre or in the train, when you know and he knows that feminine criticism and feminine insight and feminine prejudice will never come between you? (3.51)
After the honeymoon period of her marriage to Gino is over, Lilia quickly realizes that Italy is very different than England, especially regarding the status of their women. If you're a man living in Italy, you're all set—you can go anywhere, do anything, say anything you want. The men of Italy have created a "brotherhood" of sorts. Only men are allowed of course because women would just be in the way. This reeks a bit of sexism, if you ask us.
Quote #2
Meanwhile the women—they have, of course, their house and their church, with its admirable and frequent services, to which they are escorted by the maid. Otherwise they do not go out much, for it is not genteel to walk, and you are too poor to keep a carriage. Occasionally you will take them to the caffe or theatre, and immediately all your wonted acquaintance there desert you, except those few who are expecting and expected to marry into your family. It is all very sad. But one consolation emerges—life is very pleasant in Italy if you are a man. (3.52)
According to the narrator, women in Italy have very little personal freedom outside of the home. To her dismay, Lilia finds this out the hard way after she marries Gino and he refuses to allow her to take walks alone. Italian women are expected to stay at home, and if they do leave the house, they cannot go unaccompanied. Lilia is appalled by this ridiculous rule—and so are we!
Quote #3
As he lay thoughtful along the parapet, he realized for the first time the responsibilities of married life. He must save her from dangers, physical and social, for after all she was a woman. "And I," he reflected, "though I am young, am at all events a man, and know what is right."(3.53)
In Gino's eyes, women are clearly the weaker sex and they need to be protected from dangers. Gender roles in Italy are strictly delineated, with the men always knowing what's right, and the women expected to submissive to male authority. We do see occasional moments when Lilia stands up for herself and asserts her independence, but her successes are rare and short-lived.