Gender Segregation in Paula Hawkins' "The Girl on the Train"

Master's Thesis from the year 2022 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Literature, grade: Master 2, , course: English Literature, language: English, abstract: This research work examines the female protagonists¿ depiction in Paula Hawkins' novel "The Girl On The Train" under the influence of the male characters' oppression. This dissertation revolves around women who have tough lives and are susceptible to physical and psychological abuse as a result of a failure, or choice, to deviate from society's female expectations. Megan, Rachel, and Anna show how society fails to provide equality to those who are unable to obtain it for themselves.

The focus of this study is to shed more light on the matter of gender segregation in patriarchal society, portraying the female protagonists' challenges of hegemonic masculinity and manipulation. It drastically influences the feminist concerns about misogyny and gender violence by displaying how marriage and motherhood continue to be sources of pain and torment for women. As a result, society may have conflicting views and understanding of the concept of gender roles.