How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
A sudden fear takes root […] conversations I've overhead in my father's study—tales […] about the fate of an unescorted woman, overpowered by bad men, her life ruined forever. (2.10)
Chastity is a big deal in 1895, and a woman pretty much has to be a virgin in order to be considered marriage material. Whether she's "ruined" by choice or by force doesn't seem to matter much, which adds a whole extra layer of messed-up-ness to the mix.
Quote #2
"An actress," Tom sneers, "What sort of way is that for a woman to live, without a solid home, husband, children? Running about like she's her own lord and master. She'll certainly never be accepted in society as a proper lady." (3.28)
As disturbing as this little speech is, it is historically how Euro-centric society has felt about what women should be allowed to do. Not everyone feels this way though, which is how Gemma comes to think of her bro as a jerk—she was raised to value herself more highly than her community did.
Quote #3
"[…] A man wants a woman who will make life easy for him. She should be attractive, well groomed, knowledgeable in music, painting, and running a house, but above all, she should keep his name above scandal and never call attention to herself." (3.32)
This is a pretty short summary of what Gemma is going to Spence to become, and what she feels she has to fight every day: losing her sense of self and becoming a robot with no desires but to make her husband happy.