Great Expectations Women Analysis

The mystery and complexity of women were not lost on Charles Dickens, however this tenacity and strong will to overcome obstacles was misconstrued in his novel. Dickens’ view of women as portrayed in Great Expectations was as dependent. Women are dependent on the limits society places on them, dependent on men for happiness, and dependent on the class level they were born into and their upbringing. Society expected women to adhere to the expectations of their class. This expectation was made apparent through Biddy, who conformed to her social class. As a member of the lower class, she worked hard and went to school in order to establish a comfortable living for herself. However, she chose to get married, even though she could have lived comfortably as a single women. This led to the stereotypical, domesticated, home-bound wife raising the children while her husband works for a living. On the other side of society, Estella was counted on to look beautiful and put together at all times. She had to be skilled in the art of conversation and well mannered. These formalities were primarily to enhance her eligibility for marriage. As a member of the higher class, she was supposed to show off her charms yet remain untouchable.
The ultimate example of this belief is depicted through the character of Miss Havisham. After she was jilted on her wedding day, she exiled herself from society. Her house represents the decay of her heart and soul. Just like the drapes are permanently shut, Miss Havisham doesn’t allow any other love to enter her life. She lets her wedding cake rot as a reminder of the day that brought her such sorrow. In a similar manner, Estella will never know happiness because men are fools in her mind. They fall for her beauty, her jewels, and her charms, then she breaks them. Dickens depicted Biddy as the happiest woman because he viewed marriage as eternal bliss for