Stereotypes and gender roles had a strong hold on society in the late 1800's, and because many women silently desired independence above all else, their wish for equality was a common theme in literature of that era. ... In a time when women had very little freedom and were "chained" to the running of their homes, Louisa Ellis' rejection of Dagget's marriage proposal symbolizes the emergence of women and their growing sense of autonomy. ... And because Louisa was unmarried and seemingly had no desire to do so, it was common belief that she had no hope of a prosperous future. ....

• Word Count: 2223
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Much of this change can be attributed to women taking jobs outside the home and acquiring a heightened sense of personal identity."... "Luke told me-(Pg-24,25,56) and "Luke said-(Pg-57,89) are common phrases to be found in Offred's reminiscences; and although Luke is obviously loving towards Offred, she depicts him in a way that makes him seem sexist and patronizing. ... They take note of their intelligence and no longer put it aside to meet the needs of the man in their life. ...

• Word Count: 1487
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School