1. Voltaire on Gender
With his characterization of Cunegonde, Paquette, and the Old Woman Voltaire satirizes gender roles and highlights the impotence of women in the 1800s. ... She never questions or philosophizes like many of the male characters. ... They could either marry well or they could become the mistress of a powerful man or both. ... The narrator embraces a male perspective and does not endow any of the women with any interesting or redeeming qualities. ... Defying gender stereotypes Cunegonde is the one to initiate their romantic encounter. ...
- Word Count: 1038
- Approx Pages: 4
- Grade Level: High School