In "Dragonfly in Amber" by Diana Gabaldon, the narrator reflects on a common belief regarding women in the eighteenth century, particularly regarding their frequent fainting spells. Initially, it was thought that the cause of this phenomenon was the restrictive nature of corsets worn by women at that time. However, the narrator challenges this notion, attributing the fainting not to women's fashion but rather to the ignorance and foolishness of the men within that society.

This perspective highlights the deeper social issues of gender dynamics in the era. It suggests that the experiences of women may have been misunderstood and that the behaviors of men played a significant role in shaping those experiences. Gabaldon uses this insight to reflect on historical attitudes and the impact of societal norms on women’s health and well-being.