In the first three weeks of this course, we explored ideas of gender and nation through our readings. I found the writings surrounding the theme of women and their journey to find their voices in a world that tries to silence them especially interesting.
Through these readings it is clear that writers in the Victorian Age are influenced by the society around them. Not only do the writers use this influence in their writings, they also use it to show perspective and personal opinion. We read from both male and female writers which in turn gives us perspective on how women were treated during this time. One of the readings, The Other Side of a Mirror by Mary Elizabeth Coleridge, was one of my favorites from this section. As explored in one of my previous blogs, the speaker seems to be going through the phases of finding her voice and "place" as a woman in this era. |
The topic of women in the Victorian Age was so interesting to me that I decided to do more digging.
In a BBC article about Victorian Britain, the roles of women and the role Queen Victoria played in society are explained. "The Victorian era, 1837-1901, is characterised as the domestic age par excellence, epitomised by Queen Victoria, who came to represent a kind of femininity which was centred on the family, motherhood and respectability." (Abrams). Queen Victoria created an "ideal image" of a feminine woman who takes care of the house, children, and spouse. Because of this image, women were then seen as care takers and in-house workers whereas the men did all of the "heavy lifting". I have included the link to this article here if you would like to read it further! ideals_womanhood_01.shtml |
The idea of gender roles in the Victorian Age society is upsetting but familiar because even today it is common for men to believe that women cannot do what men can and should "just stay home with the kids".
Despite the odds being against them, women have found their voice and vocalized it.
Women now have more work opportunities, the right to vote, and are allowed to leave the house more than before. Even with all of these victories there is still more work to be done. Luckily for us women, we do not give up and we empower each other through it all.
Below I have attached a link to an article with 15 organizations that help women around the world:
organizations-helping-women-around-world
The idea of gender roles in the Victorian Age society is upsetting but familiar because even today it is common for men to believe that women cannot do what men can and should "just stay home with the kids".
Despite the odds being against them, women have found their voice and vocalized it.
Women now have more work opportunities, the right to vote, and are allowed to leave the house more than before. Even with all of these victories there is still more work to be done. Luckily for us women, we do not give up and we empower each other through it all.
Below I have attached a link to an article with 15 organizations that help women around the world:
organizations-helping-women-around-world