Our class discussion about the ways in which Beatrix Potter imposes gender roles in Peter Rabbit today was fascinating. I think the most interesting character to look at in terms of this discussion is Peter’s mother. While the daughters wear only red and Peter wears only blue, his mother switches back and forth between the colors from one illustration to another.

This could be interpreted as her having to serve the double role of both mother and father, since Peter’s father was baked into a pie. As a single parent, she has to take on aspects of both traditional male and female roles. She is responsible for caring for her children, but also for providing for her family. It is interesting that when she goes out in public, she puts on the feminine red cloak that her daughters wear. Only in private is it acceptable for her to demonstrate masculine characteristics.