# How does Scarlet Sister Mary develop the theme of Gender Roles and Patriarchy?

> Scarlet Sister Mary by Julia Peterkin

## Answer

Scarlet Sister Mary by Julia Peterkin develops Gender Roles and Patriarchy across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Mary's life is shaped by the expectations of women to be submissive to men, as seen in July's dominance and her eventual independence, highlighting the double standards and resilience required of women in a patriarchal society.

Mary is expected to remain passive and chaste as a church member, while July freely dances with another woman.

Mary is left to manage household and child alone while July roams freely; she feels powerless to express her hurt and is expected to forgive without complaint.

July asserts dominance through physical violence and control over Mary's movements, while Mary uses feigned weakness as a survival strategy.

## Evidence

- [v](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scarlet_sister_mary_se/chapters/v.md): Mary is expected to remain passive and chaste as a church member, while July freely dances with another woman.
- [ix](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scarlet_sister_mary_se/chapters/ix.md): Mary is left to manage household and child alone while July roams freely; she feels powerless to express her hurt and is expected to forgive without complaint.
- [x](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scarlet_sister_mary_se/chapters/x.md): July asserts dominance through physical violence and control over Mary's movements, while Mary uses feigned weakness as a survival strategy.

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