In William Faulkner's "Soldiers' Pay," the commentary on gender roles and identity is vividly highlighted through the speaker's distinction between soldiers and women. The speaker expresses that they do not identify as a soldier, emphasizing a disconnect between self-perception and societal labels. Just as a watchmaker is defined by their craft, the speaker suggests that being a soldier is tied to a certain identity and experience that they do not possess.

This idea extends to the mention of women, where the speaker again makes a personal separation. By asserting that "when I say women I don't mean you," they challenge conventional definitions and expectations placed upon gender. This suggests a deeper exploration of personal identity and the roles individuals occupy, indicating that societal definitions do not necessarily encompass the true essence of a person's experience.