... 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, ... women, adhere to them. The novel suggests that female violence is a direct cause of a weak social system that refuses women viable alternatives when the vaunted male protection fails them. Upon hearing of her husband's bigamy, Violenta is not overcome with shame neith...

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