8.2 Feminism and gender roles in Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights

The Brontë sisters' novels challenge Victorian gender norms through proto-feminist themes. Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights feature strong female characters who assert their independence and question societal constraints on women's roles and opportunities.

These works explore the psychological impact of gender inequality on women. They critique the "Angel in the House" ideal, presenting complex female characters who defy expectations and resist patriarchal authority, highlighting the importance of autonomy and personal growth.

Proto-feminist Themes

Early Expressions of Feminism

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• Proto-feminism refers to early expressions of feminist thought and advocacy for women's rights before the modern feminist movement
• Female autonomy is a central theme, with characters like Jane Eyre and Catherine Earnshaw asserting their independence and agency in a male-dominated society
• Gender inequality is highlighted through the limited opportunities and societal constraints faced by female characters (Jane's struggles as a governess, Catherine's confinement to the domestic sphere)
• Female education and employment are presented as means for women to gain independence and challenge traditional gender roles (Jane's role as a governess, her time at Lowood School)

Challenging Traditional Gender Norms

• The novels question and subvert traditional gender norms and expectations of the Victorian era
• Female characters resist conforming to societal pressures and expectations of femininity
• The works explore the psychological and emotional impact of gender inequality on women (Jane's inner turmoil, Catherine's rebelliousness)
• The authors critique the limitations placed on women's intellectual and personal growth due to restricted access to education and employment opportunities

Gender Roles and Expectations

The Ideal Victorian Woman

• The 'Angel in the House' refers to the idealized image of the perfect Victorian woman: submissive, pure, and devoted to domestic duties
• Patriarchal society reinforces male dominance and female subordination, limiting women's roles and opportunities (Mr. Rochester's authority over Jane, Heathcliff's control over Catherine)
• The domestic sphere is presented as the primary domain for women, with characters like Jane and Catherine struggling to find fulfillment beyond the household
• The madwoman in the attic (Bertha Mason) symbolizes the repressed and marginalized aspects of female identity in a patriarchal society

Subverting Gender Expectations

• The novels challenge the notion of the 'Angel in the House' by presenting complex, multidimensional female characters who defy societal norms
• Female characters resist and subvert patriarchal authority and expectations (Jane's defiance of Mr. Rochester, Catherine's unconventional behavior)
• The works explore the psychological and emotional toll of conforming to restrictive gender roles (Jane's inner struggles, Catherine's mental decline)
• The madwoman in the attic also represents the consequences of repressing female agency and individuality in a male-dominated society

Women's Journey and Development

Female Bildungsroman

• The female bildungsroman follows the psychological and moral growth of the female protagonist from youth to adulthood
• Jane Eyre and Catherine Earnshaw's journeys of self-discovery and personal development are central to the novels
• The works explore the challenges and obstacles faced by women in their quest for identity and autonomy (Jane's struggles as an orphan and governess, Catherine's conflicting desires)
• The female bildungsroman highlights the importance of education, experience, and self-knowledge in the development of female identity

Marriage and Social Mobility

• Marriage is presented as a means for women to gain social status and financial security in Victorian society (Jane's marriage to Mr. Rochester, Catherine's marriage to Edgar Linton)
• The novels critique the societal pressure on women to marry for social and economic reasons rather than love and compatibility
• The works explore the limitations and challenges faced by women in their pursuit of social mobility through marriage (Jane's initial subordinate position to Mr. Rochester, Catherine's unhappy marriage to Edgar)
• The authors challenge the notion of marriage as the ultimate goal and fulfillment for women, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and independence (Jane's decision to leave Mr. Rochester, Catherine's internal conflict between love and social expectations)