[T]he law didn’t allow women to speak lines onstage… So, while the female body was allowed space, the same couldn’t be said of the female voice.
-- Joan (Chapter One: Rotten in the State)

Importance: This quote is a perfect example of the hypocrisy of England’s society and the unfair rules it puts on women. Women are not allowed to act, despite female characters in stories. Yet, when it comes to a skill like acrobatics or dancing, performances that are generally pleasing to the dominating male portion of the citizens, women are preferred. This is just one example of unequal rules that keep women into whatever role society wants from them. At the same time, men are encouraged to indulge in their wants, regardless of how it hurts or objectifies the woman.

She knew she’d likely face [Baba’s disappointment] again, because as natural as it felt to use her magic, connecting with Ogun...
-- Joan (Chapter One: Rotten in the State)