The social gender expectations we have formed as a society (which outline unwritten gender roles) also influence how we interpret the story. While Andersen's use of gender perspective may have been unintentional, it still impacts our view of certain characters. Following these specific expectations in TLM he draws comparisons between fiction and nonfiction, highlighting the imperfections of both worlds. There is a distinct connection between how women's oppression is explored in "The Little Mermaid" and "The Magic Toy Shop." ' (TMT) and can be seen through the character of Aunt Margaret. His mutism is due to marriage; Carter suggests that being married to Philip has turned her into a voiceless woman. His inability to express himself reduces his personality. Aunt Margaret's dehumanization is further symbolized by the necklace "which was a dull silver collar... tied around her neck... so that she could barely move her neck." This collar that she is forced to wear, almost tied like an animal, seems to strangle her and makes it very difficult for her to speak. Furthermore, "it is a visible sign of the control that Philip has over his wife." Additionally, she is described as "fragile as a pressed flower" who "shrinks in his presence" showing the submissive nature she has adopted to his dominance. In this way, Carter uses symbolism to show that women are characterized as passive and disempowered as they are controlled by others. This idea is reinforced as Melanie also experiences a loss of identity as she “felt not herself.” , torn from his own personality. This dehumanization and disempowerment shows the objectification of its meaning... middle of paper... with respect to women's concerns and position. Angela Carter uses both men and women in her novel to highlight the issues she felt were significant to society most strikingly, the oppression of women under patriarchal systems. Although Carter uses black humor to undermine male dominance, perhaps the most influential techniques she uses are symbolism and allegory to highlight her feminist agenda. Andersen also uses his protagonist to engage in debate about the treatment of women. Both writers aim to shame the rules of patriarchy that humiliate and control women and achieve this by following women's points of view, exploring their struggles, and using literary tools such as symbolism to realize their critique of patriarchal society. Many literary devices are used to explore for the position of women, however, symbolism and allegory are used perhaps most significantly.