tampon had been invented a few thousand years earlier, the whole history of womanhood would have been different. Now Im not so sure(156). Alix attests that womens rights, like tampons, are on the onward march of progress and are the liberator of womankind, but what this progress and liberation will bring puzzles Alix (155; 156). The fact that there is no plan on exactly how to solve the problem scares Alix. Alix needs concrete plans in order to be secure with the ideas, Otherwise there is no guarantee of success, which terrifies Alix. But even with all the insecurities, others view Alix as a strong, liberated, independent woman. On the inside she lacks the self-assurance to be assertive as she is on the outside. She speaks with strong words, but does not know how to carry out the high expectations she and others have for her. Drabble uses Alix to exemplify both the capable, independent side, and the unsure, dependent side of a woman. By doing this, she highlights both the power and the vulnerability in women.For much of the novel Drabble hides Lizs womanly side from the reader. It is not until in the heart of Southeast Asia and the center of chaos that her menstruation reappears and sends her on a whole new journey. At first glance she is appalled and it is a shock (377). This attests to her surprise and disbelief, but throughout the situation her sanity remains intact. While on her long journey in search of female protection, Liz searches through her purse and encounters Some safety pins, a paper clip, some wooden toothpicks. A cheque book and a sea shell. An unidentifiable white pill and a rubber band.[And] Some bits of fluff (378). This long list of things, among others, shows how willing and open Liz allows others into her life. Lizs journey through her purse juxtaposes her journey through Southeast Asia. There are so many things that could distract Liz on her journey, but Liz remains focused on the search for Step...
