Isolation in Bartleby

Some of these brave women were Elizabeth Gaskell, Charlotte Brontë, and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. All of these authors incorporated strong feminist ideals into their writings, despite the backlash that society would thrust upon them. All of the works that these influential women wrote emphasized the power that women could possibly have one day. Two of their stories were focused on the idea of a woman rescuing a man, despite the fact that men were considered the epitome of chivalry and courage. However, a considerable amount of women writers were forced to “be coy when addressing their status in society” (Lit Network).

I see that as a form of abuse, mentally and emotionally. I believe in equality between men and women. In today's world, there are many women in positions that were once considered to be "manly". With today's economical changes, a woman is just as domineering as a man. Women today are taking over professions that were once considered for a man such as construction workers and dominating in those fields.

Literature from the Middle Ages through the eighteenth century has supplied ample insight into society’s idea of the female image and gender expectations. Females of any class status were expected to be submissive to men in every regard, and their primary role in life routinely amounted to nothing more than domestic duties. Men writers’ depictions of females were base and valued a woman’s worth by how beneficial she could be to a man; and women writers’ woefully conceded their lowly positions. However, some women writers were willing to defend against the long accepted female submissiveness that society embraced. Two such audacious writers keen to delve into the role of women in society and propose measures to ensure equality among the

Analyzing the performativity of individuals in the Me Too movement can be difficult because they are expanding upon a woman’s traditional role. But as stated by Butler, this expansion is expected and, with the use of repetition, eventually appreciated by the public. Traditionally, many believed that there was no such thing as unwanted female attention for a man. Through this mindset, one can see how society would dismiss any allegations brought against a female from a man. With the help of millions of women and men speaking out about their experience, it is becoming more acceptable to do so.

76 - 77*). As a member of this changing society, Chaucer had a keen perception of the attitudes and philosophies which were emerging and shaping the roles specific to people's lives. Among these were ideas and customs which had dictated extremely subservient lives for women. One of his characters, the Wife of Bath, contradicts many of these oppressive customs and asserts her own overbearing assessment of the roles of women in society and in relationships. However, while apparently attempting to assert female dominance over men, the effect the Wife desires is to bring men and women to a more balanced level of power.

The women’s suffrage movement was a long-standing battle for equality between men and women that should have been instituted from the start of our country due to women’s increasing political intelligence and work ethic. This became instituted thanks to Alice Paul and Susan B. Anthony whose work was primarily in the 1880’s. Alice Paul and Susan B. Anthony are still some of the most influential women in history because of their bravery and mental strength in the women’s suffrage movement. During the early 19th century women were expected to wear long, heavy skirts and tight corsets, which often made breathing strenuous. Those who rejected these styles found themselves the center of public humiliation.

These beliefs of staying within their boundaries stick as fears in the mind of women so by the time adulthood approaches, they have already molded themselves to fit those beliefs. There are numerous works of literature that have given life to women in their fight for becoming free. One example, “The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck, tells the story of Elisa and her struggle to break out of the feminine world. The idea of becoming more than an ideal wife strive women to push their boundaries as an attempt to gain power in a man’s world hoping, to be recognized for their strengths. Discrimination has always given men greater power over women, who are ideally supposed to sit within their limited boundaries.

They just lived to satisfy their husbands and take care of the family household. Many pressure groups have been created to support the women’s movement and push their rights forward. The main concern they had was the male population accepting that females also have the right to vote. Women ever since have made their voice heard a lot of times, creating various programs and funding different commissions to make sure their word gets through. The most important way of getting the word through is with the means of proper communication.

In the article “Autonomy and the Struggle for Female Identity: Implications for Counseling Women,” McBride strongly declares, “Much of the feminist literature over the last 20 years has focused on the injustices done to women in our society, the need to validate women for their differences from men, and the need to move toward equality politically, economically, and socially ” (McBride 22). McBride concurs with the idea of providing women a place in society to encourage social acceptance in their work, and help them shape their own positive identity in their respective fields (22). This is not an issue that has risen in our society recently, but is an issue that we have taken for granted, and seen as a normal aspect of a women’s

Women were oppressed and objectified because of the strictures that society has imposed upon them however Portia, Nerissa, and Jessica found ways to escape those societal constraints, which were illustrated in the cross-dressing, their transformation, opportunities and empowerment. As a result of cross-dressing, Jessica, Nerissa, and Portia are able to fight against oppression, surmount traditional gender roles, and enable to act and speak with the same freedom men possess.Before running away, Shylock’s authority over Jessica was approved by their society so therefore, he can dictate who she can marry and speak to. When in disguised however, Jessica is able to act without concerns about Shylock’s approval. Therefore when that authority was broken, she can run away to wed Lorenzo and to convert herself to Christianity. When Portia and Nerissa disguised themselves and men to save Antonio’s lives.