Louisa May Alcott's short story “Behind a Mask” portrays a protagonist who uses her acting skills to rise in society from housekeeper to lady of the house. British aristocracy. An article written by Elizabeth Schewe titled "Domestic Conspiracy: Class Conflict and Performance in Louisa May Alcott's 'Behind a Mask'", brings to light the implications surrounding the housekeeper's actions within the Coventry home. Jean Muir, the housekeeper, uses her talent as an actress and her ability to read people's characters, seeing behind their "masks", to achieve her goals of financial security and a respectable title. By first understanding the role of the housekeeper in the house, one can see how Muir skillfully carries out her act, while, at the same time, showing how the Coventry family behaves in much the same way. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay It is important to first draw attention to the role of the housekeeper in the home. The work itself reveals the act that aristocrats and high society perform towards those of a lower caste. As Schewe states, “It is the governess who teaches… manners, speech, and behavior: the marks of the upper class that should be innate” (Schewe 581). Thus the upper class, although not overtly, recognizes that they are in fact no longer superior to Muir, since it is she who teaches young Bella how to be a true lady. Mrs. Coventry even admits the need for a governess for her daughter by stating, “My daughter has never had a governess and is woefully backward for a girl of sixteen…get her in as quickly as possible” (Alcott 10). The importance of Muir "making her grow up quickly" is that the family can begin to show off Bella in society, showing that she is a decent, high-class woman, ready to marry someone of her own class. Muir's role as housekeeper is, by description, an act. Schewe argues that “a housekeeper is necessary: ​​to do her job she plays two discrepant roles, that of authority and that of inferior” (Schewe 580). Not only does she, as a governess, act, but she also teaches Bella how to behave, teaching her how to behave in society. The fact that her acting career can be used in her role as a housekeeper makes the transition into acting easier for the family. Her goal of financial stability depends on her ability to win over each member of the family so she can seduce one of the males. “She must seduce the entire family, because she must be liked and trusted enough to interact with men without interference” (Schewe 582). This proves to be a deceptively simple task for the talented housekeeper. He easily sees through the members of the Coventry house, revealing their weaknesses and taking advantage of them. Finally, in his confiscated letters, he states, “Having caught a hint of the character of each, [I] felt my power over them” (Alcott 99). His power is demonstrated by his ability to manipulate his surroundings, including the Coventry family, to continue his act. Indeed, Muir's ability to create a scene and an emotion for a person is perfectly visible during and after the mock tableau. Her participation in the theater fascinates everyone, especially Gerald's. Facing the audience, “she felt his hands tremble, saw the color flash on his cheek, knew she had finally touched him, and when she rose it was with a sense of triumph” (Alcott 53). This triumph is not short-lived, but is prolonged as they flee into the garden. Here,.