# How does The Green Hat develop the theme of Gender and Sexual Double Standards?

> The Green Hat by Michael Arlen

## Answer

The Green Hat by Michael Arlen develops Gender and Sexual Double Standards across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Iris Storm is judged harshly for her sexual history and labeled a 'shameless, shameful lady,' while male characters like Gerald are afforded more complexity; the book critiques the unequal moral expectations placed on women.

Iris's story of the emerald ring reveals Hector's suspicion and the double standard of trust in marriage.

Hilary condemns Iris as 'loose' for her affairs, while Boy's suicide is romanticized; the narrator challenges the unequal judgment of men and women.

Iris is observed furtively by men who look at her 'like cows at a bull' because of her reputation, highlighting societal judgment of women with lovers.

## Evidence

- [iii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_green_hat_se/chapters/iii.md): Iris's story of the emerald ring reveals Hector's suspicion and the double standard of trust in marriage.
- [iv](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_green_hat_se/chapters/iv.md): Hilary condemns Iris as 'loose' for her affairs, while Boy's suicide is romanticized; the narrator challenges the unequal judgment of men and women.
- [iv-aphrodite](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_green_hat_se/chapters/iv-aphrodite.md): Iris is observed furtively by men who look at her 'like cows at a bull' because of her reputation, highlighting societal judgment of women with lovers.
- [v-the-dark-letter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_green_hat_se/chapters/v-the-dark-letter.md): Iris's letter reveals her husband's abandonment during pregnancy and her own powerlessness; Cherry's comments about women and surgery hint at societal attitudes toward female bodies.
- [i](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_green_hat_se/chapters/i.md): Cherry-Marvel's comments about women and surgery reflect societal attitudes toward female biology and mental health.
- [ii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_green_hat_se/chapters/ii.md): The narrator's sister criticizes his rudeness and lack of awareness about her suffering from septic poisoning after childbirth, highlighting gendered expectations and dismissiveness.
- [ii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_green_hat_se/chapters/ii.md): The narrator's irritation at Iris's indifference and his paternalistic questioning ('Happy, Iris?') highlight gendered expectations and power dynamics.
- [ii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_green_hat_se/chapters/ii.md): The women's boldness in bathing and the men's protective yet controlling attitudes reflect the era's complex gender dynamics.

## Links

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