What did you spend so much time talking about with Ila? If you weren't dancing with that long-legged fellow, you were talking to her like it was some kind of secret.Ila was giving me advice on being a woman, Egwene replied absently. He began laughing, and she gave him a hooded, dangerous look that he failed to see.Advice! Nobody tells us how to be men. We just are.That, Egwene said, is probably why you make such a bad job of it.
Egwene reflects on her conversations with Ila, highlighting the intimate nature of their discussions where Ila shares insights on womanhood. This interaction contrasts sharply with the male perspective, as the man laughs dismissively, asserting that men naturally know how to be men without guidance. Egwene’s reply challenges this notion, suggesting that the lack of wisdom in his approach contributes to his shortcomings.
The exchange illustrates the differences in social expectations for men and women. While women may seek advice and bond over shared experiences, men often feel pressured to conform to traditional notions of masculinity without reflection or guidance. Egwene’s witty comeback emphasizes the importance of understanding and learning in shaping one's identity, regardless of gender.