How does Cold Sassy Tree portray women? Describe the stereotypical Cold Sassy woman, and compare her to Miss Love and Aunt Carrie.

The women during this time followed a specific role. They were submissive to their husbands, they raised children and they were locked into very specific gender roles. Miss Love is rather independent and initially sees the union as little more than pragmatically beneficial. This in itself was unheard of. Aunt Carrie is considered crazy although eccentric is a better word. In fact, considering the social stagnation in this little town, Aunt Carrie's ideas seem almost enlightened.