Society has females and males alike typecasted into roles which have basic characteristics that are the reverse of each other. Although this has begun to change over the past thirty years, typically the man was seen as superior to the female. This superior image is one that today, is slowly on its way to being reduced to one of complete equality between the two genders.
             Before the feminist revolution began, the female was traditionally in charge of taking care of the children and household. Her image in life was that of the wife, mother, and nurturing person. Some of the traits that were thought to be uniquely feminine were; emotional, sensitive, gentle, quiet, nurturing, interested in personal appearance and beauty, focused upon home and family. Generally the image of the woman was quiet, submissive, and dedicated towards the well being of her family. The stereotypical role for women is to focus their lives on marriage, home and children. They rely on men for sustenance and status. The expectancy is that women will engage in nurturing and life preserving activities through childbearing and care taking behaviors. Additionally, there is also emphasis on personal appearance and prohibition on direct expression of aggression, assertion, and striving for power. The role of women becomes an underlying theme in many plays throughout history. For example plays like Mother Courage, A Doll's House, and Fences include a dominating woman that strays from the stereotypical role that women were expected to play in society. Each play depicts a woman that in her own way redefines the abilities and true strength of women.
             Mother Courage and Her Children inverts the stereotypical female ideal and gives the character Mother Courage glorified male characteristics. This play creates a glimpse of gender equality. Mother Courage is capable of exactly that which men are. She becomes even more powerful than the typical ...