... the only significant post a woman was expected to fill, was that of a housewife. The fact that Louisa willingly released the hand Joe Dagget, who was undeniably husband material and considered a "catch" for any single woman, reinforces the point that she was rebelling against the norms and expectations of society. In the late 19th century, the concept of an aging and unmarried spinster was frowned ... dependent on a man. In that time period, growing up without a father would have been seen negatively, but Freeman chooses to portray it positively in showing that a woman can survive autono...

• Word Count: 2223
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: Undergraduate