It is not coincidental that Daniel first bends his "neck to the Roman yoke" when he is with Thacia for Daniel's growing interest in and acceptance of the teachings of Jesus correspond to his ability to understand and make a place in his life for women. When the story opens, he has moved away from his grandmother and sister, leaving them vulnerable. Even when he begins caring for Leah, he cannot understand anything about her as a feminine being and feels shackled by having to care for her. She limits his freedom. Similarly, while his early attitudes toward Thacia show some admiration, they are also full of resentment. He tells her when she wants to join him and Josh in their vow, "This is a man's vow! It's not for a pretty child," demonstrating how he would prefer to compartmentalize her in a space far from his feelings(85). As begins to feel brotherly love and grows in ability to nurture Leah, so he grows in real affection and something approaching love for Thacia. He shoulders the burden, bends his "neck to the Roman yoke" because of that soft spot of love that Rosh so despises in him.
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