The Story of Ivy · Theme

Gender and Power

How The Story of Ivy develops Gender and Power.

Ivy wields power through her femininity and allure in a patriarchal society, yet remains economically dependent on men, revealing the limited avenues for women to achieve autonomy and the moral compromises required.

Where it surfaces

Chapter VIII
Ivy's reliance on male figures (Dr. Berwick, Miles Rushworth, Dr. Gretorex) highlights the limited agency of women in this era, as well as her use of feminine charm to influence men.