what evidence from the text best supports the theme that the roles of women are defined by society

Evidence from a text that best supports the theme that the roles of women are defined by society often includes:

1. **Character dialogue or internal monologue**: Look for what the characters say or think about women and their roles. These conversations or thoughts often reflect societal norms and expectations. 2. **Descriptions of settings or customs**: When the text describes social gatherings, norms, or customs that showcase how women are supposed to behave or what roles they are expected to fill, this can serve as evidence. 3. **Character actions**: Observe what female characters do and the consequences they face for either conforming to or defying societal roles. 4. **Contrasts and comparisons**: Notice how different women in the text are treated based on how well they fit social expectations. This can highlight the pressures women face to conform to their assigned roles. 5. **Plot events**: Events in the story that directly relate to women's roles in society, such as a woman being punished for not following expected norms or praised for adhering to them, can underscore this theme. 6. **Narrator’s observations or commentary**: When the narrator makes direct commentary on the roles or expectations of women, this can be direct evidence of the theme.

When identifying evidence, always consider the historical and cultural context of the text as the roles of women can vary greatly across different societies and time periods.

Extra: Understanding the theme of the roles of women being defined by society requires a bit of sociological and historical context. Societies across the world have, historically and even today, defined what they consider to be the appropriate roles for women, often in contrast to those of men. These roles tend to be deeply rooted in cultural norms, traditions, and sometimes even legal frameworks that dictate how women should behave, what opportunities they can pursue, and how they are perceived by others.

In literature, these themes are often explored by showing how female characters interact with these roles, either by fulfilling them, struggling against them, or attempting to redefine them. This theme seeks to expose and critique the ways in which society imposes limits on women's lives and often highlights the need for change or progress.

Students studying literature that tackles these themes will benefit from considering not only the explicit evidence from the text but also understanding the subtler nuances of character development, plot progression, and the setting that reflect the societal attitudes toward women during the time in which a text was written. It's also important to understand that the "roles" of women can encompass a wide range of expectations including domestic duties, career limitations, behavioral norms, and standards of beauty, among others.