Final answer:
Narratives in the provided excerpts offer a complex picture of how men feel about women, ranging from admiration for powerful and principled female characters to critical and conflicting perspectives on what constitutes 'feminine qualities.'
Step-by-step explanation:
The excerpts from various stories show diverse representations and attitudes towards women within the narratives. There is a clear tension between the expectations of women and their autonomy, strength, or intellect.
In some cases, such as the Queen who defied a king to protect political refugees, women are portrayed as principled and powerful, leading to admiration as seen in the phrase, 'How marvelous!' Other instances highlight the struggles of women, such as the challenges faced by southern White women, which contradict the idealized image of them and show their authentic experiences including trauma and loneliness. These stories explore women's autonomy, strength, and the authenticity of their experiences.
Situations of tension are also evident, like in the story of Jane and her household workers, depicting the silent rebellion and separation from the gloom of their employer. Moreover, relationships between women themselves can be complex, with characters like Marjorie who sees other women as inferior and Bernice who is criticized for lacking 'feminine qualities' and contributing to uninspired unions.