# Gender and Power in Fantômas

> Theme guide for Fantômas by Pierre Souvestre.

Women like Lady Beltham and the Baronne de Vibray navigate male-dominated spheres, often wielding influence through wealth or charm, yet are frequently victimized or suspected, revealing tensions around female agency.

## Where it surfaces

- [A Cup of Tea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/fant_mas_se/chapters/xx-a-cup-of-tea): Lady Beltham exercises effective control over her husband's property and staff, demonstrating female authority within the constraints of widowhood.
- [The Court of Assize](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/fant_mas_se/chapters/xxviii-the-court-of-assize): Lady Beltham's manipulation of the court through her appearance, voice, and emotional appeal highlights gender dynamics in the courtroom.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/fant_mas_se/themes/gender_and_power
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/fant_mas_se/themes