The Big Lebowski Women and Femininity Quotes

How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from The Big Lebowski.

Quote #7

MAUDE: No, no, the wealth is all mother's. We did let him run one of the companies very briefly, but he didn't do very well at it.

Maude reveals that her father isn't the wealthy old gent The Dude took him to be. In doing so, she also subverts the audience's ideas about who had the power in her parents' relationship. They "let him" run one of the companies.

Quote #8

MAUDE: Look, Jeffrey. I don't want a partner. In fact, I don't want the father to be someone I'd have to see socially or who'd have any interest in raising the child himself.

A true first-wave feminist, Maude Lebowski doesn't want any male involvement in her child-rearing. It's stereotypes like this that made Shailene Woodley say she wasn't a feminist because she loves men. We're huge fans, Shailene, but that's just dumb.

Quote #9

THE DUDE: She's not my special lady, she's my f***ing lady friend. I'm just helping her conceive, man!

The Dude recognizes the very small role he plays in Maude's grand plan. He's cool with it, though. He seems to be the kind of guy who lets women have their own agendas and decides whether or not he wants to be part of it.