Women in Literature SH

"Women have but one right; the right to protection and the right to protection involves obligation to obey." This saying was absolutely true about women during the early 19th Century, but as the years progressed, so did the roles of women in society. From their fight against degradation to their fight for equal rights, women have definitely come a long way. With changes from insignificant roles in society to important roles as female figures, their progress and development are traced through the theme of "Women Depicted in Literature."
An author's experience, education, and up bringing during that particular era may sometimes influence their writing. In The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne was inspired to write about the theme of women depicted in literature due to the fact he was a descendant of early Puritan settlers. The setting of this novel took place in a town during Puritan society; strict about its rules and beliefs, opposing conformity under any circumstances or conditions. Louisa May Alcott's desire to write Little Women was her own personal childhood experiences. The book reflected many of the same incidents she encountered herself during her growing up days. Harriet Beecher Stowe inspiration for Uncle Tom's Cabin was because of the existence of slavery during that time. With the controversies and problems that the issue raised, she used the book as a way to convey messages of the cruelty of slavery. In The Age of Innocence, Edith Wharton based the novel on her real life experience. As the upper stratum of New York, she was raised for only one career: marriage. Although her own marriage was an emotional disappointment and disaster, she began writing stories about it in order to share her past experiences with others.
The conditions changed between the 19th and 20th Century because there were more expectations for women. During the 19th Century, women were portrayed as the typical housewives, very obedient. They had to obey by the rules outlined for them by society, evident in the character of Hester Prine (The Scarlet Letter). But as women started to build larger families, some of the higher social class such as the March sisters in Little Women, many were expected to be a bit more educated. Since they had many children, education was becoming a necessity in order to guide their children towards the same direction. The desire for education gave many women opportunities to become stronger figures. While examining the 20th Century, women, such as Ellen Olenska in The Age of Innocence, established a greater sense of independence. They no longer had to do the typical house chores since there were maids. Although they were still portrayed as training dolls, they had the ability to go against the rule of society, which was something that Ellen felt strongly about.
The relationship between men and women during this period has definitely progressed positively. From The Scarlet Letter to Uncle Tom's Cabin, women were not allowed to interact with other men, yet alone have affairs. They would be punished for their sin if they were ever discovered of such a crime. In Little Women, however, the women attempted to avoid problems by avoiding confrontation with them, only to end of with the same result; their love and passion for one another. The characters of The Age of Innocence also struggled with a love triangle, which was also strictly against the moral and values of society during that time.
The economic situation of these women did not change progress or change tremendously. They had their typical housework and the responsibility of taking care of their husbands and to obey them. These teachings took a change during the period of Little Women because women became more involved in raising and providing for larger families. They became more independent and acquired more responsibility; the responsibility to keep their families together and to keep everything functioning.
A woman's life was not lived with happiness. Hester Prine was deprived of her happiness because of one genuine impulse that was considered a sin by society. She and her daughter had to live in secrecy and isolation as a punishment for her adultery. Women during the era of slavery (Uncle Tom's Cabin) had to live in silence as well, but it was during the period of Little Women that gave the roles of women a turning point. The March sisters represented a group of educated women who were independent and quite successful young ladies. They managed to keep their family together on their own. Ellen Olenska (The Age of Innocence) is also a perfect example of courage and strength depicted in women because of her desire to go against society and the degradation of women.
Women have definitely come a long way. From sexism to inequality, they overcame harsh discrimination that at one point seemed an endless journey. However, they have gone through that journey and have made footprints that will be greatly be appreciated by all women today. Their struggles and passions have truly opened many doors for women of all races.