In the novel "Moll Flanders," by Daniel Defoe women are at a significant disadvantage in society while men hold a higher position in power, as for women they are forced to compete differently to achieve a higher position in power. Gender and sexuality have always been obstacles to surpass in order to find equality for both genders in society. The novel gives different examples on how the society in the book disproportion women in the society but counters it as the men in a lower hierarchy also have to find different ways to get the power of a higher hierarchy. .
Moll Flanders is this girl who was "born in such an unhappy place," known as the prison in which her mom was taken to, but when she was born she was taken care of by a "Nurse" who was also at a poor hierarchy. Flanders was born in a society of poverty, but she "believ'd [she] could get [her] living without going into service," (page 48). In order to make a living and not go into service was to become a "gentlewoman," a gentlewoman meant a higher position within that hierarchy. Although this position as a gentlewoman was given to Flanders by Mrs. Mayoress, she wanted more as in to marry a man who was healthy. Flanders had the beauty and the brain which attracted the sons of the Mayoress "yet if she has no money, she's nobody," which is when the older brother only wanted sex from her. Through these actions the younger brother Robin still wished to marry her, but he was not aware of Flander and his brother having sex. This is an example that men at that time held their power as they worked and made the money, and the men married women who had virtue. Robin sought virtue towards Flanders, but as he died she went off to look for a man with riches. Women like Flanders have a significant disadvantage in society because they had to obtain their living by men and if their virtues or past was in anyway looked down on then a man would not come near the woman.
