Final answer:
The colonel's belief that, in a crisis, a woman could 'remain quite calm' or 'show more control than a man' is supported by historical and literary references that emphasize women's ability to be quick thinkers and their potential to respond effectively with proper training and discipline.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question explores the role of gender in responding to a crisis situation. From historical and literary references, we can discern that perceptions of women's reactions in crises have been varied and complex. In one case, a military figure believes that training could make women 'a tower of strength in an emergency,' indicating a belief in their potential for calm and controlled responses. Literature and historical anecdotes also provide instances where women are seen as quick thinkers, such as in the strategic use of 'brain power' over physical strength or the quick-witted responses to political challenges. Conversely, there are suggestions that women may not be suited for physical battle due to perceived emotional and physical differences. These diverse perspectives highlight that the colonel's belief about a woman's reaction in a crisis could be 'remain quite calm' if conditioned through training and discipline, or potentially show 'more control than a man' if leveraging intellectual capabilities.