Representation of Women In 'AHBWOSG' Notes -

• 'She is a vase, a doll. A giant vase. A giant fruit. A prize winning vegetable.' p32-

Mother considered precious and fragile contrasting the way other women are portrayed throughout the book. Noun prize shows Dave recognizes her being alive as a reward.

• 'I expected someone so normal and sweet-looking to find me out soon enough' p38-

Quote shows that Dave recognizes  his many personality flaws and in turn has very low self esteem, especially when it is to do with relationships. Verb expected links to 'I expected flirting' showing how Eggers has a pre set idea of how situations will go for him.

• 'The nurses will clean my mother when we are not in the room or awake' p42-

This quote may reflect Dave's lack of trust in women. The imperative 'will' emphasizes Dave's paranoia and certainty something he doesn't want to happen will happen.

• 'I do not know how to interact with the mothers. Am I them?' p57-

May reflect Dave's lack of interaction with women leading to this lack of confidence. The use of the interrogative also reflects his realization that hes taken on the mother role for Toph.

• 'The woman was not wearing any rings. I wondered if we could all move in together' p74-

This quote reflects Dave's want for a mother figure for Toph, shows how every women he sees he considers as a mother. The use of the declarative 'all move in together' shows the lack of consideration for what the woman wants.

• 'She is still sitting down, head in her knees' p150-

Viewed as weak and cowardly, adjective still gives of the sense that Dave wants her to do something.

• '"Okay" she says, and I wonder if this will help my chances with her' p177-

Simple sign of acceptance by woman is taken with sexual connotations as is a theme throughout the book.