Meaning: The quote "When I invite a woman to dinner, I expect her to look at my face. That's the price she has to pay" by George Kaufman, a renowned dramatist, reflects certain societal expectations and norms that were prevalent during his time. George S. Kaufman was an American playwright, humorist, and theatre director who lived from 1889 to 1961. He was known for his wit and satire, and his works often commented on the idiosyncrasies of human behavior and social conventions.

The quote can be interpreted in several ways. On one level, it may be seen as a humorous and somewhat tongue-in-cheek commentary on the traditional gender roles and expectations that existed during Kaufman's era. The notion that a woman "has to pay" a price by simply looking at her dinner companion's face can be perceived as a satirical take on the entitlement or self-importance of the person uttering these words. It may also reflect the underlying assumption that a woman's role in a social setting is to cater to the expectations of her male counterpart.

Furthermore, the quote might also be viewed in the context of etiquette and social decorum. During Kaufman's time, there were strict social codes and expectations regarding behavior, especially between men and women. It was considered impolite to not make eye contact with someone who invited you to a social engagement, and failure to do so might have been interpreted as a breach of manners or a lack of respect.

In a broader sense, the quote can also be seen as a reflection of the power dynamics and gender relations that were prevalent in society during Kaufman's era. The expectation that a woman must pay a "price" by simply looking at her dinner companion's face may hint at a deeper subtext of gender inequality and the inherent imbalance of power between men and women. It may suggest that women were expected to comply with certain demands or expectations of men, and that their compliance was a form of currency or payment for being included in social situations.

It's important to note that the quote should be understood within the context of the time in which it was written. The 20th century was a period of significant social change, including the women's suffrage movement and the gradual shifting of traditional gender roles. Kaufman's quote may be seen as a reflection of the prevailing attitudes and norms of his time, rather than a statement of his personal beliefs or values.

In contemporary society, the quote may be perceived quite differently. With the progress of feminism and the ongoing efforts to challenge and dismantle gender stereotypes and expectations, the idea that a woman "has to pay" a price by simply looking at a man's face would likely be met with criticism and considered outdated and inappropriate. Today, there is a greater emphasis on mutual respect, equality, and consent in social interactions, and such expectations or demands based on gender would be viewed as regressive and unacceptable.

In conclusion, George S. Kaufman's quote "When I invite a woman to dinner, I expect her to look at my face. That's the price she has to pay" can be interpreted as a reflection of the social norms and gender dynamics of his time, as well as a commentary on etiquette and power relations. While it may have been intended as a humorous or satirical remark, it also sheds light on the prevailing attitudes towards gender and social conduct during the early 20th century. It serves as a reminder of the progress that has been made in challenging traditional expectations and promoting equality in social interactions.