And often it would be a woman who was in her 70s or 80s who would win the beauty contest, because bound feet never age

And often it would be a woman who was in her 70s or 80s who would win the beauty contest, because bound feet never age

In Lisa See's novel "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan," the quote "And often it would be a woman who was in her 70s or 80s who would win the beauty contest, because bound feet never age" holds significant meaning in the context of the story. The novel explores the lives of women in 19th century China, particularly focusing on the practice of foot binding and its impact on female beauty and identity.

Foot binding was a cruel and painful tradition that was practiced for centuries in China, where young girls' feet were tightly bound to prevent them from growing. This practice was believed to enhance a woman's beauty and make her more desirable to potential suitors. However, the physical and emotional toll of foot binding was immense, as it caused lifelong pain and disability for many women.