Final answer:
In 'Riders of the Purple Sage', traditional gender roles are central to the narrative, with men portrayed as protectors and women as needing protection, shaping the story's progression and themes of integrity and freedom.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Riders of the Purple Sage, the roles that men and women play are traditional and reflective of the time period during which the novel is set. The male characters, like Lassiter and Venters, are depicted as rough, ready, and capable of violence to protect what they believe is right. On the other hand, the female characters, such as Jane Withersteen and Bess, while resilient in their own ways, are more often seen in roles that require them to be protected.
The strict gender roles and reactions of the characters to the challenges they face significantly shape the outcome of the narrative. Jane's internal conflict and her evolving perception of her faith and the Mormon community's expectations drive much of the plot, as does Bess's transition from being seen as an object of protection to becoming a more active participant in her destiny. Lassiter's ultimate action, which is drastic, can be seen as an ultimate protection of the feminine and innocence, underlining the strong gender dynamics at play.
These dynamics are critical to understanding how the characters develop and how the action concludes. The contrasting roles and the expectations placed on men and women in the novel not only drive the narrative forward but also illuminate the themes of integrity, freedom, and resistance to oppressive societal norms.