They have each suffered through troublesome pasts and as a result have become very wise. Obasan and Poh-Poh share many similarities but they also have their differences. Both women are very compassionate and do not hesitate to care for and protect their loved ones, however, the ways in which they interact with their loved ones are very different. Obasan is a very gentle and passive woman who takes on the role of a mother for the children in her care. Poh-Poh, on the other hand, is very forward and harsh, and acts as more of a guardian and mentor than a mother figure.
She was sensible and clever; but eager in everything; her sorrows, her joys, could have no moderation. She was generous, amiable, interesting: she was everything but prudent.”(1.V) This is a good introduction because it encapsulates much of what is evaluated in Marianne throughout the novel. First, the two sisters are compared and contrasted for the similarities and differences in their demeanor, values, self -control and interactions in society and various relationships. Then, in Marianne alone, there is a clear lack of balance between the sense and sensibility of her actions and feelings. Finally, her judgment... ... middle of paper ... ...ves; and her whole heart became, in time, as much devoted to her husband, as it had once been to Willoughby.” (203.III.
Miss Temple can be described as the nondiscriminatory woman superintendent of Lowood. During their very first meeting Jane claims how she is "impressed by her voice, look and air" (180). Helen, another student that Jane befriends at Lowood, describes Miss Temple as being "above the rest, because she knows far more than they do" and "overall good and very clever"(221). Having Helen describe Miss Temple this way speaks volumes because she herself is very fair-minded and admirable towards Jane. Miss Temple's strongest quality is her ability to be a role model from the girls, this quality is depicted by Jane as "considerable organ of veneration, for I yet retain the sense of admiring awe with which my eyes traced her steps" (216).
In comparison to Esther Downing, Hope is the antithesis of what a young Puritan woman should be, and in turn, Hope gains a great deal of respect from the readers of the novel through her “unacceptable” behavior. Hope’s most noticeable characteristics, unusual for women of the time, are that she is assertive and aggressive, bold and daring, the opposite of the passivity that women were expected to portray. Hope speaks her mind freely, despite what consequences may follow. Those around her acknowledge her unwelcome behavior, and Governor Winthrop makes note of it to Mr. Fletcher. He tells Mr. Fletcher, “you must allow, brother, she hath not… that passiveness, that, next t... ... middle of paper ... ... who exemplify the “proper” behavior for a Puritan woman, has the ability to squash her fears and put out of her mind any possible dangers, so that she can accomplish necessary tasks.
That’s why you have to stay awake – otherwise it just walks in on your door…You are good enough…that’s all you need to know.” (122) She learns a lot from these group of strong women, which is what she has been missing in the cocoon of her brother’s protection and comfort. Although Ethel and the other women are lower class women judging by where they live and their occupation, they are in charge of their lives. Live to them, irrespective of social circumstance is meant to be lived to the fullest, a lesson that helps Cee later in the novel. Ethel can be read as the surrogate mother to Cee, the same way Mattie is to Taylor in The Bean Trees. Both women have positive impact on the younger women.
She defies Mr. Brocklehurst and his hypocritical ways only as far as she will still retain shelter and her place as a teacher. To Jane, Miss Temple embodies all of the qualities that a woman should. Sandra Gilbert and Susan Gubar write, "Miss Temple, for instance, with her marble pallor, is a shrine of ladylike virtues: magnanimity, cultivation, courtesy - and repression" (Gilbert 344). While Miss Temple seems to show Jane what she should become, she also introduces her to control over her emotions. Unlike Jane, whose self-assertiveness permits her to give in to passionate confrontations, Miss Temple would "never allow `so... ... middle of paper ... ...role models and the obstacles.
This suggests that women’s ... ... middle of paper ... ... being controlled and dictated by their male counterparts. Moreover, she depicts women as marginalized and deprived of the equal opportunities as their male counterparts. They resemble colonial subjects whose lives are fractured. However, the novel portrays that amidst the plight in the male dominated society, a number of women remain adequately strong and lead their lives with confidence. One such character is Bim who is depicted as a character with unfailing strength.
As long as the women remain docile receptacles they are "good"; when they resist or even question masculine authority, they are "bad." Rose complains, "When we are good girls and accept our circumstances, we're glad about it....When we are bad girls, it drives us crazy" (99). The women have been indoctrinated to the point that they initially buy into and accept these standards of judgem ent. The type of patriarchy described by Smiley simply serves to show the inscription of the marginalization of women by men in the novel and in our society. Another strength of the novel is its treatment of secrets and appearances.
it is only at times of great stress that she gives way to fear (Red Room), but note that usually she has, even at the early age of ten, great self-control for most of the time. A different side of her character is revealed at Lowood school, when we see the tender and trusting nature in her dealings with Miss Temple and with Helen Burns. It is obvious that she has a great desire to be shown love, and when this is given, she is perfectly happy to return it in kind. There is still, however, anger and resentment, especially on behalf of injustice. She cannot take Helen's advice to submit to chastisement and to be submissive and patient, to heart, eve... ... middle of paper ... ...nd herself to do what is right, and leave Thornfield, despite the enormous temptation to stay and become his mistress.This conflict continues - she is torn between desire and duty until she returns to Ferndean at the close of the novel, but inner strength and determination carry her through the time at moor house and her relationship with the Rivers family.
Taylor's courage shown throughout this novel and her risk taking attitude make her truly independent, but her relationships that she has formed in her new life, and her maturing and empathy she shows towards them make her truly strong. Taylor truly has a genuine and good heart. I really did enjoy her character despite the confusion in the beginning dealing with her reaction to being thrown a child. She seemed to be to calm about it in the beginning but by the end of Bean Trees I understand her more and I believe she has truly grown into this amazing woman. She is a great mother, an amazing friend, a risk taker filled with compassion for others and her courage completely shines through.