Feminism: Pride and Prejudice

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Feminism was a subject that was rarely discussed in 19th century British society. This was mostly because the idea of equality among the sexes had not taken form in Britain’s very distinct social classes. The aspect of feminism is defined as the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes. However, the disdain for equal rights during the Victorian Era did not hinder some women writers from blatantly expressing their ideals through their writing. Some of these brave women were Elizabeth Gaskell, Charlotte Brontë, and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. All of these authors incorporated strong feminist ideals into their writings, despite the backlash that society would thrust upon them. All of the works that these influential women wrote emphasized the power that women could possibly have one day. Two of their stories were focused on the idea of a woman rescuing a man, despite the fact that men were considered the epitome of chivalry and courage. However, a considerable amount of women writers were forced to “be coy when addressing their status in society” (Lit Network). Some used hidden symbolism in their writings, while others simply wrote under a pseudonym. These drastic actions were quite necessary considering the time period these women wrote in. Many people in Victorian Britain refused to acknowledge the thought of feminism simply because of the importance of a good family name. Despite the numerous ways of oppression, one brave woman writer wrote fearlessly about how she felt women should be viewed. This writer’s name was Mary Wollstonecraft. Her newfound ideals about what women should represent shocked the upper class of Britain. She was both famous and infamous during her time period. The book that best ... ... middle of paper ... ...ejudice. New York: Signet Classic, 1961. Print. Baker, William. “Mary Wollstonecraft and Jane Austen.” Critical Companion to Jane Austen: A Literary Reference to Her Life and Work (2008). Facts on File, Inc. Web. 24 April 2012. Burt, Daniel S. “Austen, Jane”. The Literary 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Novelists, Playwrights, and Poets of All Time (2008). Facts on File, Inc. Web. 12 April 2012. “Money and Marriage in Pride and Prejudice.” US-China Foreign Language 8.5 (2010): 59-63. Academic Search Complete. Web. 12 April 2012. Snodgrass, Mary Ellen. “Jane Austen”. Encyclopedia of Feminist Literature (2006). Facts on File, Inc. Web. 26 April 2012 Swisher, Clarice. Victorian England. San Diego: Lucent Books, Inc., 2001. Book.

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