During the 1600s, women were stereotyped to behave obediently, remain ignorant, and follow the traditions of their culture. While these social norms are clearly oppressive and offensive, fighting against these expectations was a courageous act, as demonstrated by Bethia Mayfield In the novel Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks, Bethia learns of the first Native American to go to Harvard, a college-educated coveted but unattainable and a university education. that dictates the family. From a young age, society expects Bethia to fit perfectly into the mold of women during this time in history. As Bethia grows through the novel, she learns to become herself and goes from being a submissive, fully Christian. and uneducated to become a strong woman, Bethia's life takes a turning point when she breaks free from the stereotypical role her society expects a young English girl to fill, embracing Native American traditions, pursuing an education, and challenging the oppression that women in this context. time faced. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Despite the lack of women's rights, Bethia bravely manages to speak out to defend her position as a woman. Although Bethia initially obeys the dominant males, she eventually speaks her mind when the oppression becomes too much. Makepeace treats Bethia as an object instead of a person when she trades Bethia's hand in marriage for her freedom without her approval. Makepeace responds to Bethia's justified protests by commanding her, "You will do my will in this, and this is the end," to which Bethia responds, "God damn you, Makepeace" (Brooks, 178). Bethia's response to Makepeace shows that she has grown enough to finally stand up for herself instead of letting men dictate her life. Rather than allow her brother to force her into a life path she doesn't want, she challenges the social norm that women obey superior men. In addition to defending her rights, Bethia openly expresses her feminist views. While discussing poetry, she jeopardizes her job and her potential marriage when she expresses her disapproving opinion to Master Corlett and Samuel by claiming, "Perhaps the very volume I have in my hands bears witness to the fact that women might sometimes be suitable to stay close to men". , and not always behind them anyway,” which translates to “the elder Corlett raised his eyebrows at this, but his son nodded, considering” (193). Bethia's comment shows that she believes that upholding the rights of women is more important than silently following the beliefs of superiors, like Master Corlett and Samuel She will risk what others think of her if it means she can defend women. Finally, Bethia defends women by arguing against men instead of letting them control her thoughts. Bethia does not argue against her father when he tells her, “I would do you no favor if I sent you to your husband with a mind refined to find fault with every argument of his or to improve it in every particular” (17). years later, Bethia ignores her father's earlier warning by arguing with Samuel over issues such as Anne's elopement. Bethia expresses her own opinions and speaks against Samuel's, resulting in Samuel calling her "strong-minded" and "stubborn" (226), which are two characteristics that her father tries to prevent her from becoming with his previous comment and, in general, characteristics that women at this time are not supposed to have. In many cases,Bethia uses the wisdom that her words bring with them to challenge the gender roles that were present in the 1600s. Bethia learns to break out of the mold society has placed her in when her choices become dictated by her desire to learn. First, Bethia decides to break the rules to improve her knowledge. Bethia admits her questionable act when she tells readers: “Whenever I could, I hid one of Makepeace's Latin books in my basket… If I couldn't let any of these go unnoticed, then I took one of Daddy's texts” (14 ). Instead of acting like the obedient, expectant girl Bethia should be, she commits the sin of stealing and breaks the rules. Bethia is so desperate to learn that she betrays her father's teachings and his trust just to get unwarranted reading material to study, even though girls aren't supposed to study. Additionally, Bethia selects her work based on how it will benefit her education. Bethia announces that she has taken a low standing at Harvard for the sole reason that "she will have the benefit of those lectures - I can't help listening to them, while I prepare dinner", even though Master Corlett argues: "you shouldn't work as a scullery maid , is worthy of you” (239). Bethia's new job demonstrates her dedication to learning. While most people would accept the best, most dignified, high-paying job, Bethia has become so devoted to her education that she is. willing to sacrifice the possibility of a better job. Bethia not only sees the possibility of an education as a valuable factor in choosing a job; she also sees it as a valued factor when selecting a suitor husbands, Bethia realizes that a life without Samuel as a husband would consist of "no more Latin phrases wandering the halls, no more works of poetry given to me by tall men in scholarly robes, no high rhetoric or witty disputes" (232) . Shortly after this consideration, he chooses Samuel over Noah. Bethia's choice demonstrates that knowledge is an important factor in important life-changing situations. Instead of choosing the agreed upon and expected suitor, she decides to marry the man who can benefit her education the most. Bethia makes the heavy decision to steal, choose a degrading job and base her husband's choice on a singular quality: the ability to learn. Bethia leaves her path set by society when she dares to appreciate the customs of Native American culture. Although Bethia grew up in a strongly Christian environment, she feels connected to the generally frowned upon Native American religious traditions. After hearing a familiar and charming Native American song, Bethia realizes, “There was power here, spiritual power. It moved me in a profound way. I had fought for this power, week after week, as the daughter of the devoted minister at the Lord's Day meeting. But our austere cult had never touched my soul like the singing of this pagan” (30). Bethia's hypnosis would supposedly have been an unsettling shock to her society, as most people at the time argued that Native American religion should be replaced with Christianity. Bethia's admiration for this song is an act of defiance against her society's expectations. This encounter with Native American religion was not the only time Bethia felt touched by it; at some point, he is also aware of the presence of Native American idols in his life. After Caleb explains Kessakand, the sun god, Bethia hears, "Satan's voice, I'm sure now, whispers to me that I already knew Kessakand, that I had already worshiped him,.