From the smart rabbit to the brave little mouse: gender representation in Beatrix Potter’s children’s tales

Abstract

Beatrix Potter’s tales, published in England, in the beginning of the twentieth century, can be interpreted through the gender analysis of the books representations, so that the stories and characters may reveal worldviews built by female authorship and for the better comprehension of the social and cultural changes of the begining of the twentieth century. During the analysis the
contradiction between gender roles was clear, because women were portrayed as mothers who educate their children with discipline and authority, but always within the home. Male pride wasdemonstrated in defiance of these older figures through the noncompliance of orders, and it is possible that these passages portray the author’s aspiration for equality between men and women,
through her desire to be seen with the same regard than men. The role of the female characters was largely concentrated in the domestic area, for they should set an example of good behavior, kindness and education. The male characters, however, did not have the same responsibility and their antics were always forgiven. Some of the female protagonists ventured, but the author made
clear that for this to happen, they were forced to leave their comfort zones at home. Considering the ideal of femininity and motherhood of the early twentieth century, it is possible to conclude that Beatrix Potter’s tales represent a critique of the English society at the time, which placed men always above women and being responsible for protecting and maintaining them financially.