Gender Inequality in Literature

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Gender equality, men and women having the same rights and obligations, and everyone having the same opportunities in society, has been a topic of discussion for man and women for centuries (Dorious and Firebaugh). For many centuries, women have used literature as a voice used to defend their rights as women. Female authors achieved extraordinary success in literature functioning in a culture that frowned upon female literary desire but men still dominated the profession (Dorious and Firebaugh). Until well into the nineteenth century, it was common for both male and female writers to publish under a pseudonym. Fiction was a genre that was frequently published anonymously. Fiction was considered a low genre of literature leading many authors to detach his or her name from the piece of fiction. For women especially, the cloak of anonymity was particularly essential (Dorious and Firebaugh). Female proclamation and self-revelation were viewed as unwomanly. Therefore, writing under the identity of a man’s name would protect a woman from criticism for unladylike thoughts. The male alias could potentially increase a female’s chances of receiving an unprejudiced review. Throughout history, women have had a weak voice in the literary world due to fear of the power women had and the lack of respect for female authors. The first women’s rights convention was organized by 68 women and 32 men in 1848. As a result, a document titled “The Declaration of Sentiments” was created, fighting for the quality of women (Zink-Sawyer). Based on the format of the “Declaration of Independence”, Elizabeth Cady Stanton created a document with the primary goal of securing equal rights for women and how these women would gain these rights. The 1848 Declaration... ... middle of paper ... ...1848). Print. George Eliot: Biographical Materials. 1 August 2013. Web. 9 Feburary 2014. Hadjiafxendi, Kyriaki. "Gender and the Woman Question." Harris, Margaret. George Eliot in Context. United Kingdom: MPG Books Group, 2013. 137-144. Print. Rowlings, J.K. The Not Especially Fascinating Life So Far of J. K. Rowling. 16 Febuary 2007. Web. 8 Febuary 2014. Stanton, Elizabeth Cady. “Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions.” VanEsveld Adams, Kimberly. "Feminine Godhead, Feminist Symbol: The Madonna in George Eliot, Ludwig Feuerbach, Anna Jameson, and Margaret Fuller." Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion , Vol. 12, No. 1 (1996): 41-70. Web. Zink-Sawyer, Beverly A. "From Preachers To Suffragists: Enlisting The Pulpit In The Early . Movement For Woman's Rights." Atq 14.3 (2000): 193. Academic Search Premier. Web.

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