Caddie Woodlawy

Caddie's father comes and talks to Caddie after Caddie has spent the day in her room as a punishment issued by her mother.  Father speaks to Caddie.

 "It's a strange thing, but somehow we expect more of girls than of boys.  It is the sisters and wives and mothers, you know, Caddie, who keep the world sweet and beautiful.  What a rough world it would be if there were only men and boys in it, doing things in their rough way!  A woman's task is to teach them gentleness and courtesy and love and kindness.  It's a big task, too, Caddie -- harder than cutting trees or building mills or damming rivers.  It takes nerve and courage and patience, but good women have those things.  They have them just as much as the men who build bridges and carve roads through the wilderness.  A woman's work is something find and noble to grow up to, and it is just as important as a man's.  But no man could ever do it so well.  I don't want you to be the silly affected person with fine clothes and manners whom folks sometimes call a lady.  No that is not what I want for you, my little girl.  I want you to be a woman with a wise and understanding heart, healthy in body and honest in mind."

Caddie Woodlawn

Chapter 21, page 244.