When reading this passage through a feminist lens we can see the relationship between men and women and how men play the dominate role. In this passage Sethe is "the ideal woman" cooking and cleaning around the house. Paul D spills some coffee and rather than him cleaning it up himself, Sethe felt the need to "jump" and clean it up for him as if it was her duty. "Behind it was various cloths hung, each in some stage of drying." implies that while Paul D was relaxing enjoying his coffee, Sethe was cleaning. It seems as though Sethe never gets a break. She comes home from her job only to find that there is more work to be done at her house, while Paul D gets home from his job and gets to relax and enjoy himself. This idea portrays how Sethe is "the ideal woman" and Paul D is dominate to her. Sethe's normal daily life involves a lot of cleaning and doing work around the house and Paul D has a more laid back daily life with a lot more free time.
When Sethe gives Paul D another cup of coffee, he does not say anything to her. He does not feel the need to thank her or show her any appreciation for her small act of kindness. Paul D sees himself superior to Sethe. He has come into her home and invited himself into her living space, the least he could do is offer to help out around the house and take off some of the work load from Sethe but he does not. Sethe has brought this man into her home who she has not seen for many years and does not feel the power to tell him to leave. Denver rudely asks Paul D how long he is staying and Paul D questions if Sethe is wondering the same thing. Sethe apologizes for her daughter in fear that she has made him angry.
I think it's incredibly interesting that the dynamics between man and woman have not changed much. Yes women have more rights today, but still men think that women should cook and clean, never realizing that they are independent to do it on their own too.
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