Chivalry and Chauvinism

The central characters in the Wheel of Time series are Rand Al'Thor, Mat Cauthon, Perrin Aybara, Egwene Al'Vere and Nynaeve Al'Meara. All five of them were born in a small provincial town on the extreme edge of Andor. The values instilled in them in this small town are, compared to those of the cities, are old fashioned and conservative, especially when it comes to matters of sex. The young women of Emond's Field wear their hair combed out until they reach sexual maturity. They then keep their hair braided throughout adulthood. When a boy and girl have reached maturity, they can begin courting only after their relationship has been sanctioned by the Women's Circle. Sexual intimacy is expected to be preceded by marriage or certainly to be followed by it. Any violation of these norms results in a strong social rebuke.

Likewise, the men of Emond's...