Feminism In Agnes Gray
“They would indecently and clamorously interrupt the conversation of their elders, tease them with the most impertinent questions, roughly collar the gentlemen, climb their knees uninvited, hang about their shoulders, or rifle their pockets, pull the ladies’ gowns, disorder their hair, tumble their collars, and importunately beg for their trinkets” (Bronte 37). Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte follows the story of Agnes Grey an optimistic, naive eighteen year-old Victorian women who, although pampered her whole life, sets out to become a governess to financially support her lower-class family. Agnes believes that being a governess will not only fill a need, but also fulfill a dream; however, the reality could not be further from the truth. First she …show more content…
A feminist analysis could reveal what behavior was expected and accepted for men and women. For example, one may draw attention to when Matilda discovered the “‘unlady-like’” habit of swearing, the focus was not that her father taught her the habit, but that a female was swearing (51). Although this is an excellent way to analyze this story, it is limited, as the gender roles in this story are outdated. Even though men and women are expected to act a certain way in modern times, it is more accepted if one does not follow these unwritten rules. Granted, it can be debated that modern society does not perceive men and women equally. However, most would agree that gender equality has progressed since the original publication of Agnes Grey in 1847. It may be interesting to see where society was and where it is now, but this does not display to the audience how society can improve. To reveal where modern society has a greater opportunity to reform, the audience should find a concentration on Marxism to be most …show more content…
It is not entirely uncommon for real people to look down upon people who are of a lower socioeconomic status; in fact, many people of higher status, such as celebrities, are often worshipped by society. For example, Chris Brown is known for physically abusing a significant other, yet he still has a fanbase. His behavior was accepted. Similarly, Bill Cosby was accused for sexual assault, yet people still defended him. His behavior was accepted. If one acts in such a way as the wealthy characters of Agnes Grey, or as many of today’s celebrities, are they actually someone to be
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1528 Words | 7 PagesFor decade women have been discriminated by society, all around the world. In many countries women are still treated as the inferior sex. “daily life for women in the early 1800s in Europe(Britain), was that of many obligations and few choices. Some even compare the conditions of women in time as a form of slavery.” (Smith, Kelley. "
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Women's Domestic Lives In Early 20th Century
1449 Words | 6 PagesAs such, lower class women were likely more subordinated because of their affiliation to the domestic sphere, and their inability to enter the public domain. The difference in the status in relation to women’s domestic lives are shown in the Mrs. Minnie Wright character, being subjected to scrutiny and oppression by George Henderson, suggesting that she is an “unfit housewife” (Glaspell 180). The point also made here is that women were said to be the “queen of the castle”. George Henderson’s criticism of Mrs. Minnie Wright’s housekeeping skills suggests she could in no way have been queen of the castle and be subjected to such criticism. The observation of Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters’ comments about Mrs. Wright was one of empathy, and relational, by responding to the men about the tediousness associated with cleaning a house and operating a “farm” (Glaspell
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Essay On Lynn Nottage's Poof
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Analysis Of Margret Atwood's Short Story 'Lusus Naturae'
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Examples Of Patriarchy In The Awakening
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1287 Words | 6 PagesWhy men and women not treated equally? Why there is gender inequality? Feminist ideas were abound across Europe in the nineteenth century. Activists like Mary Wollstonecraft and Anna Wheeler fought for women’s rights. "
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Role Of Women In Literature
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Women In The Victorian Society In Tess Of The D Urbervilles
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