Consider how Daniel Defoe's 'Moll Flanders' presents and discusses the social role of women.

"Herein it is that I take it upon me to make such a bold assertion, That all the world are mistaken in their practice about women, For I cannot think that God Almighty ever made them so delicate, so glorious creatures; and furnished them with such charms, so agreeable and so delightful to mankind; with souls capable of the same accomplishments of men: and all, to be only Stewards of our Houses, Cooks, and Slaves." …

…throws her way, symbolising she is far from patriarchy's notion of the weak, submissive female. Her willingness to negate the traditional standards of eighteenth century femininity ultimately allow her to ascend the social hierarchy and eventually reach its pinnacle in America. Interestingly, it is only in American, the new world, that Moll finds her happiness. Perhaps alluding to the idea that to be fully free from prejudice Moll must leave England's patriarchal society firmly behind.