1) Compare or contrast any of the Victorian writers with one modern writer on the treatment of women, or on the topic of women’s education. Do they seem to have relied on any of Mary Wollstonecraft’s ideas? If so, which ones do you notice. Do they take the notion of gender equality any further than Wollstonecraft, or are they largely indebted to her insights for their own ideas?

QUESTION

1) Compare or contrast any of the Victorian writers with one modern writer on the treatment of women, or on the topic of women’s education. Do they seem to have relied on any of Mary Wollstonecraft’s ideas? If so, which ones do you notice. Do they take the notion of gender equality any further than Wollstonecraft, or are they largely indebted to her insights for their own ideas?

2) In some of Matthew Arnold’s poems, mainly, “Isolation” and “To Marguerite,” compare how he use images from science and geology to discuss the situation of “modern” people. How does this compare to some of Tennyson’s uses in the poems we read from In Memoriam? Offer an analysis of one poem from each writer which uses this type of imagery, OR take one motif (isolation, sadness, loneliness, ocean imagery, nature, or faith) and compare how he deals with it in relation to Tennyson.

3) Having read both “Dover Beach” and “Dover Bitch,” why not let the silent auditor tell her side of the story? Write a verse poem, using Hecht’s as a model perhaps, in which the woman presents what really happened. Submit all draft versions for this, along with your final version.

4) Lawrence’s “The Horse-Dealer’s Daughter” offers some seemingly strange notions about love. After careful reading of the story, would you argue that love really exists between the two main characters, Jack & Mabel, or not? Whichever side you take, defend your response and support the answer by interpreting key passages in the work.

5) Select a poem, by Yeats, Hardy, or some other modern writer, and compare it with another work by that author which we’ve studied OR offer an in-depth interpretation of it. Select a poem which has caught your attention or intrigues you.

6) Read excerpts of J.S. Mill’s “On Liberty” and discuss how he compares with Arnold or Carlyle on this topic of “freedom” in society, OR examine his ideas on “eccentricity/individuality.” Explain them a bit and reflect on whether society today has advanced at all in being able to tolerate difference. Use a few SPECIFIC examples from our culture to illustrate/develop your points.

7) Much of the writing from the Victorian and modern eras focuses on aspects of “alienation.” Take 2 works from both periods to compare on this theme; do the authors offer any insight on why people feel this way? What is it about the modern world that leaves us feeling so disconnected? You might discuss a few pertinent situations or examples from our society to relate to what these writers might have been talking about. Be sure to cite relevant passages from the authors’ works in your analysis/discussion.

8) Your own topic? What interests you to write about that isn’t listed here?

ANSWER

A Comparative Analysis of Victorian Writers and a Modern Writer on Women’s Treatment and Education

Introduction

In the realm of literature, the treatment of women and the topic of women’s education have been subjects of profound importance. This essay aims to compare and contrast Victorian writers with a modern writer regarding their portrayal of women and their perspectives on women’s education. Furthermore, we will explore whether these writers have drawn inspiration from Mary Wollstonecraft’s ideas and if they have extended the concept of gender equality beyond Wollstonecraft’s insights.

Comparison of Victorian Writers’ Treatment of Women

The Victorian era witnessed an intricate interplay of societal expectations and gender roles, which greatly influenced the portrayal of women in literature. Writers like Charlotte Brontë and Jane Austen explored the challenges faced by women in a patriarchal society, while also highlighting their resilience and intelligence (Öztürk, 2021). Brontë’s novel, “Jane Eyre,” presented a protagonist who defied social conventions, asserting her independence and seeking equality in her relationship with Mr. Rochester. Similarly, Austen’s works, such as “Pride and Prejudice,” portrayed women as capable of rational thought and challenged the idea of women being solely confined to domestic roles.

Treatment of Women by a Modern Writer

In the contemporary era, the discourse surrounding women’s rights and gender equality has evolved significantly. A modern writer who addresses these issues is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. In her acclaimed novel, “Americanah,” Adichie explores the experiences of women in both Nigerian and Western societies (Deni, 2017). She delves into themes of identity, cultural expectations, and the impact of societal norms on women’s lives. Adichie emphasizes the importance of agency and self-determination for women, challenging traditional gender roles and advocating for gender equality.

Influence of Mary Wollstonecraft’s Ideas

Mary Wollstonecraft’s seminal work, “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman,” served as a catalyst for discussions on women’s rights and education during the Victorian era and beyond. Many Victorian writers were influenced by Wollstonecraft’s ideas, particularly her call for equal education opportunities for women (Reiff, 2016). Brontë and Austen, for instance, depict female characters who possess intellectual capabilities and desire education beyond conventional domestic skills.

In Adichie’s work, the influence of Wollstonecraft’s ideas is discernible. Adichie champions women’s education and empowerment, echoing Wollstonecraft’s assertion that women should have the same access to knowledge and intellectual development as men. Both Adichie and Wollstonecraft recognize that education is crucial for women to assert their rights and achieve gender equality.

Extending Beyond Wollstonecraft’s Insights

While Victorian writers and Adichie draw inspiration from Wollstonecraft, they also push the boundaries of her ideas. Wollstonecraft primarily focused on women’s access to education and their role as rational beings. However, modern writers like Adichie delve further into intersectionality, acknowledging the additional challenges faced by women of diverse backgrounds such as race, class, and culture. Adichie explores how multiple identities intersect and impact women’s experiences, broadening the scope of gender equality discourse.

Conclusion

In comparing Victorian writers with a modern writer on the treatment of women and the topic of women’s education, it becomes evident that they have relied on Mary Wollstonecraft’s ideas as a foundation for their own perspectives. While they share Wollstonecraft’s belief in equal education opportunities for women, modern writers like Adichie have expanded upon her insights by considering intersectionality and acknowledging the complexities faced by women from diverse backgrounds. These writers continue to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on gender equality, striving to challenge and reshape societal norms to create a more inclusive world for women.

References

Deni, S. (2017). A Negritudinal Paradigm: Chimamanda Adichie’s Americanah, a ” Different Mirror ” of America and a Restoration of African Self-awareness. Ma. https://www.academia.edu/31721286/A_Negritudinal_Paradigm_Chimamanda_Adichies_Americanah_a_Different_Mirror_of_America_and_a_Restoration_of_African_Self_awareness 

Öztürk, Y. M. (2021). OBJECTIFICATION OF WOMAN AND NATURE IN CHARLOTTE BRONTE’S JANE EYRE. Ege. https://www.academia.edu/44965069/OBJECTIFICATION_OF_WOMAN_AND_NATURE_IN_CHARLOTTE_BRONTES_JANE_EYRE 

Reiff, M. (2016). The “Fanny Price Wars”: Jane Austen’s Enlightenment Feminist and Mary Wollstonecraft. Women’s Studies. https://doi.org/10.1080/00497878.2016.1149031