Shimerda is a housewife, much the same way Mrs. ... She clings to Jim and feeds his self-image by stating how brave he is. She encourages Jim to show everyone how he killed the snake. ... Even the photographer notices just how happy she is to have a child of her own. ... As productive workers on the farm, they were better men than Jim and some of the town boys. ...

• Word Count: 2199
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: High School

Who then really had a "better" life, those who had all protection and no freedom, or those who had all freedom and independence? ... A scorned wife spoke this in one of Sophocles" lost plays. ... This sort of thing would be considered unacceptable for a wife to handle. ... There were set views and expectations of how women were supposed to interact with others outside the home. ... "The husband who takes his wife in adultery must divorce her." ...

• Word Count: 1886
• Approx Pages: 8
• Has Bibliography