Victorian Women Writers: The Quiet Revolution of Feminism
Feminist literature played a major role in bringing the theory of feminism to reality. Similar to the struggle of contemporary women against gender inequality and for their rights, the Victorian Era literature debated these issues, commented on the position of women in society, and contributed to the advancement of women’s rights in the future. Few authoresses discussed below took to writing novels or poems, often under a pseudonym, to share their critique on the constraints on women in a patriarchal society. They portrayed strong female characters interested in education, who viewed the world beyond the four walls of their homes. Let us take a look at these female writers.
Mary Ann Evans, known by her pen name George Eliot, was one of the leading writers of the Victorian Era. She started her career as an editor at Westminster Review and anonymously contributed articles to the periodical. Her first prose was published in the local newspaper, the Coventry Herald and Observer, owned by her mentor. In her essay “Silly Novels by Lady Novelists” (1856), she critiqued the double standards women experienced in society. She comments on the social reality of undermining gender roles in her novel Middlemarch (1871-72) through the character of Dorothea Brooke. Dorothea challenges the societal norms and aspires to make a remarkable impact on society. Eliot gives Dorothea a sophisticated and resilient nature and stresses that women too can achieve intellectual excellence and are capable of fulfilling their own desires. Dorothea’s desire to transcend societal expectations mirrors the ambition of many modern women who break through glass ceilings in industries ranging from technology to politics.
Similarly, Louisa May Alcott also questions gender dynamics like her contemporary female novelist above through her novel Little Women. She introduces the March sisters who not only defy gender norms but also uphold the banner of femininity. The girls and their mother earn the money while their father is away serving in the American Civil War. Marmee, the mother, sews uniforms for the Union Army, Meg serves as a governess to a wealthy family, and Jo works as a companion for a rich old relative and later publishes her novel. Jo is given a bold character who would later in the story go out in the world to make her own way rather than conforming to prescribed gender norms. At the same time, Louisa brings forth the motherly tendencies of Marmee and Meg, the eldest sister, and latter’s wish to marry for love. The former’s role is limited to raising her daughters with love and care and honouring her responsibilities as a mother.
The Brontë sisters – Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, were eloquent writers who wrote passionate and original works under male pseudonyms. Charlotte Brontë wrote Jane Eyre (1847) set in the gothic theme, where the lead female ventures on a journey of self-discovery, independence and love. Her character was unwilling to conform to societal expectations and wanted to carve her own way. Wuthering Heights (1847) by Emily Brontë has a brazen nature represented through the bold character of the female lead. It subtly swaps feminine and masculine features between the characters of the opposite gender. In The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Anne Brontë, the youngest, commented on the grave inequality existing between men and women of the Victorian Era in marriage and society. It was considered to be the first sustained feminist novel, though debated by many. Anne’s portrayal of Helen leaving her abusive husband was ahead of its time, but today it finds echoes in the #MeToo movement, where women around the world are speaking up about domestic violence and toxic relationships.
These female writers and more went beyond societal conventions and started a feminine culture through their writings that were way ahead of their time. Although critiqued by many, the wide disagreement with the novels and ensuing debate proves the success of these female writers in bringing to light the suppressed conditions of women in the Victorian Era. They strengthened many women with their thoughts and hailed the beginning of women’s empowerment in later generations.
Fast forward to today, and these themes are still a big part of the conversation. Modern movements, like #MeToo, which fights against sexual harassment and abuse, and discussions about gender equality in the workplace, continue to push for women’s rights and equality. Just like the women in those old novels who wanted to be heard and respected, women today are still fighting for the same things: the right to make their own choices, be treated equally, and pursue their dreams.
–Sangita Goel is a Content Writer and the Founder of Tour Past Heritage, a socio-cultural organization focused on India’s living history and heritage.
