Women in Gothic Literature Essay - 862 Words

Women in gothic literature are presented as either evil or victims how far do you agree? The Gothic genre is an increasingly popular area for feminist studies, showing contrasts in society at the time and the expectations of women within it. In pre industrial times, women were expected to play a subservient role to men, they were expected to marry young and bare children, they would simply care for their husbands and support the family, they were denied the right to vote or own property and were expected to be the innocently silent, supportive backbone behind patriarchal society. It is noted that female characters in Gothic novels and plays often fall into one of two categories: innocent victims, subservient to the strong and powerful†¦show more content†¦Lucy Westenra, signifying the stereotypical victim, of â€Å"unequalled sweetness and purity,† symbolises the change in feminine identity within the story after she shows deviant traits, transforming from her previously repressed tender character into a strong sexual demon. Lady Macbeth, in contrast is never depicted as a soft tender female figure, instead Shakespeare makes her ambitious character apparent from the start, after reading the letter from her husband, telling her about the Witches’ predictions, the seed of ambition grows within her and immediately a plan forms in her head, her first speech is one full of strong metaphors, â€Å"come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, and fill me, from the crown to the toe, top full of direst cruelty.† This initial speech is so powerful and strong, as she summons spirits to give her the strength of a man, so that she has the vigour to plot Duncan’s murder, and convince Macbeth to form an alliance with her, ensuring he will become king, just as the Witches predicted. Although the WitchesShow MoreRelatedRace And Gender Roles : The Women On The Porch As Southern Gothic Literature893 Words   |  4 PagesSouthern literature, the portrayal of female characters evolved along side with the Southern culture. Female characters became more independent, strong-willed, and hardworking. Even African Americans became the main characters in Southern literature. In â€Å"Caroline Gordon’s Ghosts: The Women on the Porch as Southern Gothic Literature†, Tanfer Tunc discusses the evolution of the female character in Southern literature. Tunc also notes that traces of racism can still be found in Southern literature. EvenRead MoreGothic Elements In Gothic Literature1023 Words   |  5 PagesGothic Essay #1 Gothic literature’s roots are in the architecture of the dark ages. The buildings were made to intimidate oncoming enemies, because of this it presents the perfect setting for eerie literature such as the Horace Walpole’s Castle of Otranto. 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