Gender Inequality In Jane Austen's Persuasion

Imagine a society so blind that even the ones inflicted upon could not see past it. These societies have existed in our history, and it is easy to name a few. One example is the bland, neglecting role of woman during the 18th and early 19th century in England. Women during this time accepted this as a given aspect of life. Jane Austen was able to observe this society’s culture with a new eye. In her novel, Persuasion, the character Anne illustrates what it was like to live in Jane Austen’s shoes – a woman victim to gender inequality and a social-class driven world. Gender inequality played a prominent role in Jane Austen’s life. At a young age, Jane and her sister Cassandra were sent to boarding school to learn a normal, women’s education. The education of a males and females were alternate spheres. Women were deemed unworthy to contribute to the income of a household. Consequently, Jane and her sister’s education was diluted with foreign language, music, and dancing (JaneAusten). The teachings seem to be a form of entertainment or pleasure for the man. This idea is displayed through the Musgrove’s gatherings, in which the females would prepare by providing food, music, and dancing for the superior husband. Moreover, since females were only educated under the value of leisure - and not of worth to employers - they were forced to marry a wealthy lover if they wanted have a wealthy living. In addition, if their husband was to leave them, or die – identical to