The representation of gender in classic literature  

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The representation of gender in classic literature has been a topic of debate for decades. Classic literature often reflects the values and norms of the time in which it was written and thus, gender roles and expectations are also represented in a particular way. The portrayal of gender in classic literature is not only an important literary analysis aspect, but it can also be seen as a reflection of the society in which it was written. 

Many classic literary works were written in a time when gender roles were strictly defined and often, women were limited to certain roles. For instance, they were often portrayed as being weak and dependent on men, or as the caretakers of the home and family. Men on the other hand were mostly depicted as strong, dominant, and expected to be the providers of the household. This sort of representation was prevalent in literature from centuries. 

Additionally, the portrayals of male and female characters often reflect not only their societal roles but also their personality traits, intelligence, and behaviors. Often, women characters in classic literature were disempowered and denied agency. They were portrayed as passive, obedient, and virtuous. They were used as a foil to develop the male character's story. Women were often portrayed as innocent and fragile, unable to make big decisions on their own. Even when women characters were given a more prominent role, they were almost always subjected to patriarchal control.

However, in recent times the gender representation has changed drastically in literature. The works of contemporary authors reflect the changing times and are far more inclusive and diverse. In contemporary literature, female characters are not only present but they are also portrayed as strong, independent, and intelligent. These characters have agency and make decisions based on their own experiences and desires. Similarly, male characters are often shown as emotional and sensitive, which was not the case in classic literature. 

In conclusion, the representation of gender in classic literature is often a reflection of the time in which it was written. However, this representation has evolved over time and contemporary literature reflects the changing attitudes towards gender and has become more diverse and inclusive. Classic literature remains an important aspect of literary works and has contributed significantly to the portrayal of gender in literature. It is important to acknowledge the limitations of classic literature and to strive towards a more inclusive and diverse representation of gender in contemporary literature.