The American Lesson Plan

Discuss the meaning of the phrase Madame de Cintre attributes to Valentin, that "women should marry, and that men should not."

Though this statement is humorous and of course illogical, and students should note its paradoxical nature. At the same time, it does point to certain views about the different roles of men and women, and the different expectations ascribed to them, especially regarding marriage. Push students to consider what the saying suggests about the differences between men and women. For example, they may note that it seems to imply that men are more independent whereas women need a man to feel secure in the world, or that women are morally righteous...