In most forms of literature, there seems to be a representation of a double standard. Even in our societies, double standards not only exist, but they are widespread. In literature, although double standards are sometimes not always noticeable to the reader, however in the texts we have read, the double standards are not only noticeable, but are written in a way as if the author intended that the reader realizes this. It's pretty obvious that when it comes to adultery, female characters suffer much more from its consequences than men. However, in each culture's literature, some might find adultery more acceptable depending on that culture's views. Overall, it is through how the authors choose to depict the apparent double standard, how their own cultural morals regarding the punishment of infidelity are reflected in the text, and how they choose to reflect the morals of their characters on the act of adultery itself. that we can see how these books can end up in such a category of “great books about bad girls”. Writers throughout time have all looked for ways to point out the flaws in their society. They use their work to show the reader that the culture they live in is not as pretty as they think it is. The double standard is an example of flawed human logic that decides to hold women and men to different standards when it comes to their lifestyle. The most obvious double standard in the text was the punishment for each gender for adultery. One of the best examples is Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. The simple fact that Stiva isn't punished for cheating on his wife Dolly is one thing, but following through with her being considered a mistake for wanting to end the marriage shows just how bad it...... middle of paper. .. ... standards on which we can, as a society, evolve from this period. Right now, there isn't such a strong double standard because we're pretty aware of it when it's present. However, at the time these novels were published, this was considered normal and acceptable by society. In the end, however, all the great works of literature we have read actually deliver what the class promised, namely "great books about bad women," although perhaps we should say "bad women and bad men.” Works Cited Balzac, Honoré De. Cousine Bette. Np: Penguin, 1998. Print. Laclos, Choderlos De and Douglas Parme. Dangerous Liaisons. Oxford: Oxford UP, 1995. Print. Thackeray, William Makepeace and Nicholas Dames. Vanity fair. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003. Print. Tolstoy, Leo and David Magarshack. Anna Karenina. New York: Signet Classic, 1961. Print.