The Role Of Modern Feminism In Aurora Leigh

Aurora Leigh is essentially a modern feminist. From the beginning of book one, it is evident that Aurora Leigh has dreams and aspirations far beyond those of the typical woman of her time. She is a revolutionary who doesn’t agree with the strict and suffocating regimes of society. Being sent to live with her aunt in England, whom she compares to a caged bird—Aurora grows weary of her “womanly” duties. She says a woman’s work is symbolical and in a sense only exists to serve the many needs of men. Aurora finds salvation through poetry and literature. She discovers her fathers library and begins her journey as a poet. At age 20 Aurora refuses her cousin Romney’s marriage proposal. This tells a lot about Auroras character as during those times,
marriage was the ultimate goal for most women Auroras age. Romney is scorned by her refusal and continues to belittle Auroras ambitions claiming that she will fail because naturally women aren’t meant to pursue the arts. He tells her that her passion will be better served as a mother and wife. Aurora is depicted as a strong-willed woman who doesn’t let fear stand in the way of her aspirations. Although her goals differ greatly from most women, Aurora doesn’t necessarily judge other women for choosing a life like the one she rejected. She believes in free will and that women should be able to pursue their goals without the chains of society. Aurora was ahead of her time and she chose a life of passion above a life of submission.