Porphyria's Lover: The Portrayal Of Women

Even though humans are indisputably flawed, writers have historically portrayed women as perfect beings. Throughout centuries of literature, women have been frequently idealized and stereotyped as seen in Robert Browning’s “Porphyria’s Lover” in which the woman is described as “perfectly pure and good” (26). This depiction of women in art has created an image that women in the real world cannot live up to: perfect, too gorgeous, always calm and gentle. Though, as times have changed, so has the portrayal of women. In contemporary times, with gender equality progression, the portrayal of women in art medias has become more realistic. The relationship of women in art and women in real life has become less of an “odd monster,” as Virginia Woolf
One famed female that reflects the ignorance toward reality is Daisy Buchanan. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Daisy resembles one of the typical stereotypes for women: she is weak and superficial, not goal oriented, and relies on men for assistance. Daisy definitively does not serve as an accurate portrayal of women in real life, since she does not relate to the everyday woman. During Daisy’s era women were allowed to have simple jobs, though Daisy never sought a career; she simply lounged around, waiting for an affluent lifestyle given to her by a man. Moreover, Daisy married Tom for his dependable wealth and promise of an easy life ahead. This incorrect portrayal of women has been steadily subsiding in modern times, and heralds the arrival for stronger characters that reflect the true nature of women. Many depictions of women are becoming closer to reality in television and literature, as for example Dr. Meredith Grey from Grey’s
Dr. Ellen Urrutia-Loeser, mother of three and attending cardiologist at Hackensack Hospital is a real, working woman who mirrors Meredith. Like Ellen, Meredith understands how hard it is to balance a family and her career. Ellen is usually very busy, either with work or an issue caused by her three exasperating children, leaving little time to herself. Meredith is likewise similar to Ellen, as Meredith once forgot to pick her child up at daycare, in which a similar stint happened to Ellen, resulting in one very displeased child. These very human qualities, busy and forgetful, result in a less idealized character and a more human one, which strays from the former stereotyped depiction of women. Moreover, Meredith is similar to Ellen in their shared persistence, whether featured at work or home. On the small screen, Meredith uses her perseverance to dramatically save a life, while in the real world a mother’s persistence can win some longwinded disagreements at home. Meredith’s character accurately portrays a true woman, as her likeness to one resembles the strength and determinedness carried by every