GENDER ROLES IN AGATHA CHRISTIE AND MARY RINEHART'S NOVELS

This paper explores the representation of gender roles in selected novels by Agatha Christie and Mary Roberts Rinehart. By comparing the character construction, narrative positioning, and societal roles assigned to male and female characters, the study reveals how both authors reflect and challenge early 20th-century gender expectations. While Christie often embeds subversion through her independent female detectives like Miss Marple, Rinehart portrays women navigating traditionally masculine spheres with intellect and intuition. The study employs a qualitative literary analysis of five novels from each author. The findings highlight nuanced portrayals of femininity and masculinity, contributing to feminist literary discourse.