Third, depicting women as independent, thinking individuals was largely frowned upon until very recently, and authors had to roughly follow societal norms to receive praise for their work. ... Some authors - even in the 17th century an earlier - attempted to depict female characters that were alive and vibrant, if often mischaracterized and overly simplified. ...

• Word Count: 2278
• Approx Pages: 9
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

" Through the use of a rhetorical question, the author has emphasised the authority Mattie's father has over her and also shows us the underlying values of society at the time which forced the women in families to give up everything for their family duties. ... Donnelly and Frankel have chosen to represent women in certain ways that highlight societal pressure....

• Word Count: 1463
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

This would be a shock to the original 19th Century audience of the play, as Gwendoline's father is absent whilst his daughter's suitor is chosen, would be seen as very peculiar. ... This is a very immature way that the women are handling being decieved, as author Julia Prewitt Brown writes, "The Characters notion of the rituals of li...

• Word Count: 2043
• Approx Pages: 8
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate