Women in 19th century British literature: Roles and ideologies

Abstract

This paper discusses the women of 19th century England. It also explores the different traditional roles of women and the ideologies of patriarchy. While discussing the works of different women writers of 19th century, the paper also focuses on the political and social issues of the Victorian Period. The nineteenth century was one of the most controversial periods in history. It was the age of change and revolution. There were many things happening in the society from industrialization to leap of faith. In this period there were many prominent writers who were working on digging out the evils of society, like Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, J.S Mill, and Charles Dickens. Jane Austen was a major woman writer of the 19th century. She portrayed the reality of the women of her times. There was assigned duties for women in those days. Women were not allowed to work outside the house. Either they stayed at home and indulged in the activities like cooking, cleaning and looking after the family, or they worked as governesses or companions to old ladies. Women, however, wanted to be self-sufficient. For this, they needed education and the right to participate in decision making. Many activists came forward to raise these questions. They also struggled for equality on political, social and economic grounds. This paper also highlights the efforts of the women philosophers and novelists who contributed to the struggle of women’s freedom.