The bad old days
Ruth uses the phrase "the bad old days," which is an ironic twist on the term "the good old days," suggesting that nostalgia for the past cannot change the fact that it was a terrible time for women legally and socially.
Breaking the ice
In his introduction, Rosen tells us how a light-hearted question in an elevator led to a life-long friendship between himself and Ginsburg.
Ironies in the law
Ruth challenged inherent ironies in the law, including assumptions and double standards about men and women.
Top of the class
Ironically, Ruth graduated with flying colors from Harvard University but was rejected by law firms.
Gender roles
Ruth talks about how in her home and relationship they did not take on traditional gender roles. This is ironic as it might not be what we would expect from a couple in the 1950s.
