Epic of Beowulf

The female figure has graced the pages of literature since the beginning of history. In some cases, women have been praised and appreciated for their motherly abilities and moral correctness. The Virgin Mary appeared in the bible as a symbol of a woman of faith, courage, humility, praise, and prayer. Women are often referenced in the Bible as the most influential and strong-willed. In the epic poem of “Beowulf,” Grendel’s mother is portrayed as a strong, evil-fighting woman. Yet, with the superiority of men, women are also looked down upon and withheld from several rights of passages and freedoms. In Puritan times, women were regarded as only being useful for their domestic abilities and child-bearing capabilities. As time moves forward, several outstanding women have worked to gain their own rights and fight for equality with men. A crucial part of each women’s rights movement is the first-hand perspective from a female poet or author. They are the ones of can eloquently sum up the struggles they face every day. Sometimes these passionate and talented writers come from well-off families and homes yet still manage to tell a story of oppression. Inspiring words flow from women who have a constant distress with being misunderstood as a woman. The brave women who can break social standards and society’s norms are the leaders towards freedom for all women. The liberties women obtain in society coincide with the development of female writings and subject matter throughout the literary periods of Puritanism, romanticism and realism.

The Puritan age is defined by strict moral standards as well as the restrictions placed on women apparent in the literature reflecting the time period. Women were regarded as inferior to men and restrained...

... middle of paper ...

...d writers like Emily Dickinson, Margaret Fuller and Louisa May Alcott. Transcendental principals provided an environment for these women to write, yet when released into the public, harsh reception fazed the women. These women lead the movement for female literature to be recognized among that of men. In the Realist age, the personal lives of Kate Chopin and Charlotte Perkins Gilman drove their nonfiction and fiction. Women were still considered inferior to men, and this was apparent in the reception of these women’s works. It is not until today that they are being respected as established feminist writers. Still, they showed great courage as women causes activists and made great leaps to contribute to where we are toward. The progression of female acceptance may be slow, but the hardships the great female literary figures faced are that to be honored.