I have been trying to make up my mind as to whether or not Who Would Have Thought It? is a feminist novel since last class. One must admit, it is most certainly a debatable topic. As was pointed out in class, it would be nearly impossible for one to write a novel set in 1872 that did not contain enough instances of gender inequality to make any feminist’s blood boil. Is the presentation of gender issues inherent to nineteenth century male-dominated society, however, sufficient cause for one to label Ruiz de Burton’s writing as feminist? I have given considerable thought to the issue and I feel that while the issue of gender inequality is inextricably bound with many of the controversial themes addressed in the novel, it is not intentionally central to Ruiz de Burton’s purpose. Maria Amparo Ruiz de Burton is clearly a very intelligent and persuasive woman. Her knack for subjective portrayals of the issues she feels passionately about is evident within the first few pages of the novel. Every minute detail of the story she presents is conveniently sculpted to express her personal opinion as the author. It is for this very reason that I believe if Ruiz de Burton’s primary agenda were to produce a feminist discourse, the reader would surely know it. It interesting to note that for central female characters in the novel we are given Mrs. Norval, a cruel, cold, racist, greedy woman and her shallow daughters, Ruth and Mattie, who care about nothing more than fashion, wealth and appearances. These women are clearly antagonists and yet even the good women in the novel are no pillars of strength or virtue. Although Lavinia is cast in a somewhat charitable light for her selfless dedication to her patients, she is also pointedly presented as foolish for allowing herself to be seduced by both Hackwell and Hammerhard, with no proper assurance of marriage. Even Lola, arguably the most righteous of female characters in the novel, although she does no wrong, hardly does right either. She does not really do anything. Although central to the plot, Lola is barely involved in the story of her own pitiful life. In light of Ruiz de Burton’s selection of weak and foolish female characters, I therefore think it can be safely argued that although gender issues play a role in the novel, it is not outwardly feminist in nature. If feminism were the driving force behind Who Would Have Thought It?, Ruiz de Burton would certainly have fabricated far more virtuous, intelligent women of substance as her female protagonists.