Gender and Women's Roles

The book examines the position of women in Chinese and Manchu society, including the status of daughters, widows, and court ladies, and contrasts these with Western perspectives on femininity and independence.

The chapter details the roles of women in the palace, including the Empress, secondary wife, princesses, and maids, highlighting their duties, restrictions, and the customs of widowhood and adoption.

The Empress Dowager's literary accomplishments are noted as rare for a woman, and the chapter contrasts her with the 'Literary Empress' of the Eastern Palace, showing women's intellectual capabilities in a patriarchal society.

The separate receptions for men and women, the role of the Princesses as hostesses, and the Empress Dowager's position as the primary hostess highlight gendered roles within the court and diplomatic society.

The Empress Dowager, as a female ruler, navigates her role in a patriarchal society, receiving prostrations in a palace other than the Great Audience Hall, which is reserved for the Emperor alone.