The Birth of Women Literature Paper Example

The Birth of Women Literature, Social Changes and the Challenges That Brought About the Changes

Some historians contend that advancement and boom in economics along with cultural and social changes sparked the birth of Woman Literature in Europe, especially in England. In addition to that, the increase in literacy rate and education among people even the lower classed help the is change. Education was significant in making women aware of the femininity standards and to this effect it led to the introduction of the adolescent girls training. The training helped in teaching gender expectations and emphasizing their significance in society. Religious changes assisted as well. This includes teaching girls and women how to read the bible in church (Dwod, 2009).

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

The birth of women literature in line with 18th century was affiliated to femininity. Jane Austen portrays to be an exemplary study of the conflict that affects and surrounds females and their exploration of the dichotomies. In the 18th century, society viewed men as more superior than women. Women were perceived to occupy the domestic sphere and to this reason, all young girls grew knowing that their contribution was limited to family and home affairs. Additionally, women did not have equal rights and opportunities as compared to men. In this case, men had a better chance to access education, pursue good careers and success in life. Nevertheless, some of the women challenged these beliefs and practices giving rise to women literature (Howell, 2015). These writers, however, faced some challenges since women were viewed to lack some features that made a good writer. Another challenge is that the women were restricted to access some literature materials making them have limited knowledge required to literature books.

Example of Women Authors and their Work from 18th Century

Jane Austin and Mary Shelly are two authors whose work were written in the 18th century and portrayed to be concerned with various monstrous counterparts. The authors can generate various heroines and monstrous counterparts. Mary Shelly was inspired to write her novel when she was 18 years old on January 1, 1818 (Kramp, 2011). Romantic movements inspired her book while at the same time it aimed at establishing a science fiction. Other women authors include Fanny Fern, Harriet Jacobs, Elizabeth Gaskell, George Eliot, and the Bronte sisters (Howell, 2015). Through becoming writers, they showed that women could also participate in the public sphere other than being limited to the domestic sphere solely. Through their writing, they portrayed that women were also as strong and passionate as the men in society.

References

Howell, S. (2015). The Evolution of Female Writers: An Exploration of Their Issues and Concerns from the 19th Century to Today. Hohonu, 13. Retrieved from https://hilo.hawaii.edu/campuscenter/hohonu/volumes/documents/TheEvolutionofFemaleWriters-AnExplorationofTheirIssuesandConcernsfromthe19thCenturytoTodaySamanthaHowell.pdf