You could see the state of helplessness and helplessness of women as early as the 18th century. The story also exposes the fundamental injustices inflicted on women by confining them to a limited domestic sphere. Society dictates the identity and role of women; “Every young woman is expected to marry a suitable spouse” (Foster 818), take care of her husband and children, despite having no voice or rights of her own. Any relationship outside the sphere of marriage is frowned upon. But the man can do whatever he wants, even if he is married. While Eliza had to distance herself from her family and friends because she was pregnant and could not stand the shame and had “become a reproach and a disgrace to friends” (Foster 906), Sanford is allowed to continue living his life probably with another vulnerable young woman in society. While Sanford gets away with his womanizing acts, Eliza is the one who is labeled loose and called a flirt; it was she who lost her life, trying to hide a pregnancy conceived by two people. An unidentified source writes of her: “But let no one blame her memory. His life paid the price for his madness. This is enough" (Foster