What role do women play in The Bronze Bow?

Interestingly enough, the role of women in The Bronze Bow
can be understood by contrasting their role to that of the men within the story.  The
female author, Elizabeth Speare, uses the role of the male to be played out as a fighter
who is physically strong, full of pride, and protective.  She creates Daniel, the
protagonist, as a strong-willed and filled with anger young man who wants revenge. This
is due to the death of his parents by the Roman soldiers. Rosh and Joel have the similar
characteristics, even though Rosh is mentally directed differently than Joel. Simon, who
may have a different disposition of all the male characters, still exhibits the concept
of fighting for what is right and being physically
strong. 

However, it is the role of the women in this story
to be played out as a submissive character who is physically weak, kind, and loving.  
Daniel's grandmother cares for Leah; Thace cares for Daniel when he is hurt; and the
physically and mentally weak Leah, loves her brother and Marcus, a Roman soldier. The
irony of the woman's role is that although they are physically weak and submissive, they
demonstrate the true inner strength of love and forgiveness that the male counterpart
lacks with in the story.  The female role is necessary to allow the plot to transpose
the protagonist into a renewed character.  It is through the contrasting sex roles that
the author demonstrates the tremendous strength of both, hate and
love.