Pros and Cons of the Powerful Female

As the novel begins, the reader is immediately introduced to Rachel Cutler, a smart, quick-witted, and a fast-tongued lawyer. Rachel never lets a man cross her the wrong way. As with Nettles, she quickly puts him in his place when he attempts to insult her. Although being quick-tongued, cutting, and clever helped her to get elected as a judge, it is not always helpful in her career and family life. Since Rachel is a powerful woman, Berry makes it clear that being a strong woman does not always make you popular with others. As Rachel knows how to assert herself, she becomes known as the Ice Queen by police, lawyers, and the prosecuted. Berry seems to be commenting on the difficulty of "having it all" in today's society. Although women have more rights, privileges, and job opportunities, they are quickly considered over-aggressive...