Examining the portrayal of women and men in literature offers insight into what societies deemed as appropriate gender roles during certain time periods. ... It is not to say that the stepmother's cruel treatment is acceptable, but her portrayal can be seen as a dichotomy to Cinderella's: Passive women are good and powerful women are evil. ... If the prince had seen her as a poor country girl rather than a girl adorned in gold and silver, she would not have been deemed worthy of him. ...

• Word Count: 1149
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Senator Lillian DeHaven, herself a strong female presence in the film, selects Jordan specifically to undergo the Navy SEALS training program, as she is deemed more feminine in physical features, and presumably a generic representation of women. ... Unfortunately, the film reinforces ideas of what is expected and unexpected, and thus acceptable or unacceptable about conduct towards different genders. ...

• Word Count: 996
• Approx Pages: 4
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

And apparently it also was not close to the goal of at least some people in 1400s England, as can be attested to in Wife of Bath's prologue when she explains what women want most, which she deems is complete and total control (described in the tale as sovereignty). ... The knight started his journey but could find no acceptable answer for what women desire most; some said wealth, others happiness; some status, and others simply said they wanted someone who was good in bed. ...

• Word Count: 1042
• Approx Pages: 4
• Has Bibliography