The sex role stereotypes that are introduced to young readers on the elementary level are reinforced by the literature taught in the high school classroom. A list of the images of women taken from examples of high school literature could include, among others, the nurturing mother, seductress, sex object, and self-sacrificing wife. In all of these images, marriage is a necessity for a woman and the "old maid" image is an undesirable one. Little is offered regarding the relationship in marriage; the woman's role is defined strictly within the confines of the home and child-rearing. The male sex role stereotype, on the other hand, is very active and aggressive and dominates most high school selections. Man displays prowess and the ability to meet challenges victoriously. Although this role model is as destructive for society as that of the woman, the fact remains that literature reinforces man as the active, dominant agent in society, while portraying woman as passive and subordinate. (MAI)