Just because these people were more educated and privileged, did not mean there were more rights for women. For example, Archer said, “I am sick of the hypocrisy that would bury a woman of her age alive if her husband would rather live with prostitutes” (35). A common double standard throughout the novel is that a woman is ashamed of her husband's infidelities, but he would not be. Ellen Olenska is one of the black sheep of society because she left her husband who was having multiple affairs. This demonstrates the hypocrisy in society that still exists today in double standards and stereotypical gender roles. In addition to the double standards mentioned above, there are many stereotypes that women are expected to follow. Women must meet these standards to be considered part of society. An example of this is May Welland. May represents all the standards society has for women and what would make the perfect wife. Archer describes May as a quiet, polite, educated, sweet-natured and reasonable person. He understands the rules of society that he must follow. This is why she remains married to Archer despite knowing that Archer was in love with Ellen. He would never try to stray from what was “right.” May Welland's behavior leads to the next point, which is that women in society were almost completely unaware of gender equality. All the double standards and gender-specific roles that society assigns to women are social norms. Women don't know any better and therefore think there was nothing wrong with society. They act and pretend to be happy with their husbands even if her husband cheats on her. This teaches the reader that gender inequality will always be an underlying problem in society due to double standards, stereotypes, and ignorance of gender inequality. Through