What are the motifs in Pope Joan by Donna Cross?

Sadly, in order to effect the incredible accomplishments described in this story, Joan is forced to deny and disguise her sex, but in the end, she is proven to be just as bright, capable and brave as any male character in the story, and goes on to career levels that most men could only dream of. This theme of women's struggle for equal recognition is ongoing, even to this day. The underlying idea that women are not as capable as men has affected the status of women for throughout time.