Final answer:
Jane Withersteen shows a passionate reaction to mistreatment, marked by anger and eventual empowerment, while Helen traditionally exhibits patience and fortitude in the face of adversity. Literature often portrays different expectations and treatments of sons versus daughters, and these family dynamics influence individual responses. Betrayal and the significance of the past are recurrent themes impacting character actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparing Jane's and Helen's reactions to mistreatment in literature reveals contrasting responses to adversity. Jane Withersteen, facing betrayal and deception from those close to her, displays a multitude of emotions, including fury, jealousy, and a later awakening to strength. Examples indicate her intense reaction to betrayal as she confronts her servant Hester for spying, showing a clear break in trust. On the other hand, Helen, often depicted as a figure of patience and forgiveness in literature, responds differently in the face of mistreatment and hardship. While specific examples from texts aren't provided for Helen, traditionally, she typically embodies a stoic and accepting attitude, quietly enduring her trials with a sense of resilience.
The comparison between Margaret Macomber and Helen might suggest similarities in their endurance and perhaps complex feelings towards their spouses. As for the treatment of sons and daughters, it typically varies across cultures and families, with sons often being encouraged towards independence and daughters towards nurturing roles, though reactions from children are as diverse as the families themselves. Furthermore, the themes of betrayal and the past play significant roles in these literary works, influencing characters' decisions and shaping their narratives with the weight of their histories.