Female+Roles


 * __A Murder is Announced__ Theme of Female Roles **

There are lots of female characters in the novel, and therefore Agatha Christie touches on the theme of female roles. She argues that female roles during the time period vary, caught between the modern world and the Victorian past. Some females are educated and money makers, like Letitia Blacklock, who works with a businessman. Others, like Dora Bunner, struggle to find work and make money and work in demanding positions that garner little respect or cash. Phillipa Haymes represents a laborer because she works as a gardener. Mitzi's female role is a cook and house maid. Christie puts a large spectrum of female roles on display in an effort to reflect the changing role of women in the twentieth century.


 * Questions About Female Roles **

1. How does Letitia Blacklock's role as a female differ from Belle Goedler's femininity? 2. What does Letitia's enjoyment of making money say about the role of women during the time period? 3. How does the novel reflect the changing role of women?


 * Consider This **

Create a timeline of important milestones for women throughout history. Discuss why certain changes have been made, and what was happening in the world when those reforms were made.

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