Literary Analysis: The House Of The Spirits

Literary Analysis: The House of the Spirits The oppression of women is not a new phenomena. For centuries, women have been viewed as the “lesser of two genders” or as “servants to men”. In more recent times, this mindset is slowly evolving and women’s rights are becoming more of a priority. One hundred years ago women couldn't vote and in the most recent election, there was a female Presidential nominee. However, rights for women have not always been prominent. The House of the Spirits, written by Isabel Allende, based in the early twentieth century, would be the perfect novel to showcase the lack of women’s rights. However, this book shows women as creatures whom should be respected, loved, and even feared. In The House of the Spirits,
This intimidation is especially evident in the relationship between Blanca and Pedro Tercero. The life-long lovers are reunited after years of separation and their love is rekindled with a burning passion. This passion causes Pedro to believe Blanca will want to marry him and spend eternity with him. However, while Blanca is truly infatuated with him, she refuses the proposal due to her adoration of the ‘forbidden love’. It might even be said that Blanca has grown to love the idea of Pedro more than him as a person. Blanca evidently displayed that her need for materialistic belongings and acceptance in her social class was more important than the love of her life and the father of her
These women learned how to control their own destinies and make their own decisions. They empowered one another and everyone who came into contact with them. While the average twentieth century woman is still displayed in the novel through characters like Ferula, these women show what it is to be independent and powerful. In The House of the Spirits, the theme of “female strength” is evident in the female protagonists, Clara, Alba, and Blanca. These women protest abuse, are domineering, and have strong control, both supernaturally and emotionally. In my opinion, while some of their decisions and actions are not always honorable, the revolutionary behaviors of the women are