Social Issues In Southworth's The Hidden Hand

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The Hidden Hand was extremely popular during it time undoubtedly because it addressed social issues but through a comedic tone with a female protagonist. This novel has many comedic overtones however many moral themes ran throughout the various plotlines. Southworth’s’ moral directions encompasses both genders and society of the time. Southworth is addressing the political issues of her time, which is a direct reflection of the intense moral dilemma that is occurring in the United States before the advent of the Civil War. Capitola as a child dresses herself as boy to protect herself from the dangers of being a female. The clothing of the boys protects her from the dangers of being a female, which would have been at the hands of the boys.