Cross-dressing and Gender Performance

I think dressing as men definitely allowed these female characters certain liberties not generally afforded to women in early America. It gave them more freedom and power to do things.

I think there are still certain times when women in contemporary society must "put on" masculinity in order to achieve certain goals. For example, on job interviews or anywhere in the office a woman is looked down upon if she dresses in mini skirts and "showy" tops. Now I am not saying this should be worn around the office, but women are expected to dress more masculine in things like pants and blazers.

Also, in things like sports, women are not taken as seriously if they show up on a soccer field or baseball field in make up and looking cute. Women need to make themselves look more masculine (no make up, hair pulled back) to portray a competitive and strong competitor. Otherwise people will just laugh and not take them seriously.

When trying to think of how men may be encouraged by society to "perform femininity" the only thing I could think of is in romance movies how men need to show more emotion and cry. The men need to show their "female" side in these movies and show their vulnerability.

Parents, teach your children well...

Unfortunately despite her parents best efforts, Charlotte Temple still fell prey to seduction. Her parents were kind and concerned with their daughter's well being, but she still was a victim of betrayal and abuse. It's scary to think that even when parents are loving and try to take care of their children, bad things can still happen.

As far as blaming someone, I think the obvious blame would be on Belcour and Miss La Rue. They both played a role in Charlotte's downfall. Miss La Rue, an adult authority and someone Charlotte thought she could trust, betrayed her and allowed her to get hurt. Belcour also was evil and helped Charlotte fall. It seems these outsiders played a huge role in her downfall.

When thinking of how parents can keep their children safe, I don't think there is a clear answer. Obviously teaching them right vs. wrong and protecting and loving them will help, but parents cannot control what outside forces do. My parents definitely raised me in a loving home and taught me to behave like a lady. They warned me of "bad" guys and kept a very close eye on me. They always met my boyfriends and had to approve.

However, I have friends that have had parents like mine and end up getting into trouble. Girls get pregnant who come from good and loving homes. The only answer would be to lock their child up and never let them out, but that's just ridiculous. A parent can protect their child by teaching them good morals and behavior, but in the end it is up to the child.

I think things haven't changed too much because girls from good households with good parents still fall prey to seduction. There is only so much a parents can do, and then the decision lies on the child.

Willpower plays a big role in resisting temptation, but it is hard to do the right thing when someone you trust tells you it's okay. Like Miss La Rue, when someone older and that you trust convinces you and helps you fall, what are you supposed to think? That's pretty scary.