... reputed paragon of feminine virtue and subsequent turn to violent measures is portrayed as a fatal consequence of a flawed social system rather than, as was the belief of the time, a violence innate to the female body. Manley is, very clearly, refuting the accepted ideals of feminine passivity and the defenseless position in which a blind execution of such ideals leaves women. However ... doing, traces the logical consequence of a belief in and implementation of arbitrary societal constructs that at their very foundation are contrary and illogical: the creation of heroines driven to extr...

• Word Count: 1986
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: Graduate