compare contrast: woman in victorian literature

Women in the Victorian era were held to certain expectations that affected them socially, politically, and economically. Between the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, women had very specific gender roles, and when they did no adhere to these standards, their reputations and overall way of life would completely change. Women had very few rights, were considered property of their husbands, and many were forced to endure abusive relationships. The repression of women in this era inspired many authors to explore the conflicts at hand, and in turn, write about them. Many of these works, have been able to give readers in more modern times, a better idea of what life was like for middle to upper class women and their families. Although the stories differ, there are many similarities between some of the characterizations of the women that we have read about thus far. The women of these stories have actually, all in some way, defied the expectations of women in their era; some even representing a reformation of women in Victorianism. Vivie Warren is a perfect example of a woman who exudes defiance towards her expected role. Highly educated, practical, strong, and confident; Vivie is also considered unromantic. She denies two marriage proposals, and conducts herself in an almost business-like manner. Socially, she differs greatly from what the idea of a woman her age should have been at that time. Kate Chopin’s characterization of Edna Pontellier was also considered socially unaccepted by society; this being due to Edna’s lack of interest in her domestic obligations, and her choice to live for her own selfish desires. Choosing to separate herself from her family to focus on her art and discovering who she was as a sexual person, caused readers to react negatively to the story as a whole. The idea that just reading a story about something considered as taboo as it was, could cause the backlash it did, is more telling of where women and