Final answer:
Jean Harlow's 'Lil' represents the femme fatale archetype with her seductive and ambitious nature in 'Red-Headed Woman', while Ruby Keeler's 'Peggy Sawyer' embodies the ingénue as a hopeful, talented dancer in '42nd Street'.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparing Jean Harlow's character "Lil" in Red-Headed Woman with Ruby Keeler's character "Peggy Sawyer" in 42nd Street brings forward notable differences in characterization and narrative roles within their respective films.
Lil is portrayed as a seductive, ambitious, and sometimes manipulative woman determined to climb the social ladder by any means necessary.
She is complex, often displaying a mix of vulnerability and ruthlessness. Peggy Sawyer, on the other hand, is depicted as the quintessential ingenue, a talented and optimistic young dancer who becomes a star when given the chance to shine in a Broadway show. Peggy's character encapsulates innocence and the archetypal 'star is born' narrative.
The comparison showcases two distinct archetypes of female characters in early 20th-century cinema: the femme fatale and the ingénue.