Clarice Lispector, a Brazilian writer of Jewish origin, has linked her writing with her own life, as her writing reflects her point of view on many aspects of her life. She was famous for her existentialist writings involving themes revolving around the roles of women. Through the characters and their interactions in her works, Lispector explores the social status of women. Male subjugation of women influences many of the themes present in his works, and a better understanding of the social status of women ultimately leads to a better understanding of the relationship between the characters in his works and the actions of those characters. Therefore, the evaluation of women in contemporary society at the time Lispector lived influences overall existentialist ideas and the motif of women's roles in his work. Traditionally, women have been subservient to men; they are still often subjugated, treated like objects and prized for their ability to reproduce. Since the beginning of Paleolithic society, in the hunter-gatherer social system, men generally hunted and provided for the family, while women gathered fruit and raised children at home. This type of society has in a sense persisted even to this day; women often stay at home and raise their children while the man does the "hunting" or, in today's context, works and provides for the family. This places the woman in a subordinate position as she is dependent on the man, often leading to women being treated as objects. These stereotypes contribute to the development of Lispector's works. In “The Chicken” the idea that males are superior is present. For example, when the hen makes her “great escape” so to speak, the father of the family chases her…… middle of paper……“the hen became the queen of the house…everyone knew it except the hen. (Lispector, 49) Having children is something expected by a woman and at the same time praised by society. But perhaps Lispector never realized society's valuation of her work and the fact that she was continuing life because her existentialist mindset only allowed her to think negatively. So, simply put, women's social roles have evolved throughout history. However, many aspects remain consistent, such as the subjugation of women and fertility. This bias may continue over time, which is why people of Lispector's generation were able to analyze the role of women and why those aspects of society still exist today. A change may occur; however, since it only takes one person with one voice to bring attention to an issue, which is what makes a great writer, like Lispector.