Assignment for Dissertation

Assignment for Conclusion of Dissertation 

I would conclude my interpretation by comparing both the female characters Lily Briscoe from To The Lighthouse and Prejudice and Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice.Things discussed in chapters .I have discussed about how feminism came into existence The suffragette movement, which fought for women's suffrage or voting rights in Western countries in the early 20th century, as well as the well-organized socio political movement for women's emancipation from patriarchal oppression, gave rise to the term.The feminist study begins with the authors of the third wave, as stated in the book ‘‘A Glossary of Literary Terms‘‘ by M.H Abraham has had a long and varied history, beginning with the classic works of women writers like Margaret Fuller and George Eliot in the nineteenth century.The History of Feminism According to Simone De Beauvoir (1908–86), Christina De Pisan  was the first woman in the 15th century to ‘‘take up her pen in defense of her sex.Discussed' Waves of Feminism ',Comparison between both the centuries.

 Based on various discussions, the feminist movement can be broadly divided into different categories.This includes a group of feminists who believe that women's writing should be radical in nature.They argue that current discourses of masculinity are rooted in a so-called "symbolic order" where men must hide their true desires for fear of castration.Because women have no symbolic organs to lose, she could write about what she called  "imaginary order." By doing this, feminists can undermine any patriarchal identity.This movement includes another group of mainly female intellectuals who are suspicious of the French feminist movement; and instead of reinventing language, they suggest a literal reading of textology against the seed of traditional masculine narratives, canon and high culture.

According to the theory of feminism, there should be no difference between  men and women when it comes to  rights.This theory reinforces the notion that men and women are biologically different, making women kinder and able to comfortably rule the world  without the fear and tension of war and guns.Ecofeminism is a theory based on the principle that patriarchal philosophies are harmful to women, children and other living beings.In their view, patriarchal philosophy emphasizes the need to control and dominate unruly women and the unruly wilderness.Materialist feminism is essentially a theoretical framework for the study of feminist knowledge, class, division of labor, state/governmental power, economic power, gender, race, sexual identity and national identity.That movement focused on removing the "burden" of women of housekeeping, cooking, and  other traditional female domestic responsibilities.

Moderate Feminists often believe that the ideals of the feminist movement are no longer achievable and therefore question the need for further efforts.The term "moderate feminists" is ambiguous.For some people, the term "moderate" means less than total commitment to feminist ideas.Postcolonial feminism is also called third world feminism which embraces the postcolonial environment and deals with issues such as racism, colonialism and its cultural, economic and political effects on society which explores certain gender realities of non-whites.It provides information on human suffering resulting from colonialism, such as resistance, oppression, representation, difference, race, gender, slavery, migration, and response to  imperial European influences.

Postcolonial feminism is responsible for both newly decolonized nations and women under patriarchal influence, as both expose the dominant culture that makes them suffer in society.Postcolonialism is strongly related to black feminism because it deals with issues of racism.

Women must remain under the influence of traditional norms and therefore are oppressed by men.Postcolonial feminism allows them  to express their rebellion against the injustices inflicted on them by the traditional norms of colonialism.Also discussed life of authors and their notable works. Literature review of different articles. 

Summing up, comparing Feminism in Literature by the 19th and 20th centuries saw a significant shift in the social and cultural roles of women feminist movement of the 19th and 20th centuries was a significant moment in history that brought about significant changes in the social, political, and economic status of women. During this period, women fought for their rights to vote, to access education and employment opportunities, and to have control over their own bodies and reproductive choices., and both Woolf and Austen are prominent voices in the exploration of these themes.

 Woolf and Austen challenge traditional gender norms and explore the complexities of female agency, power, and identity. Through a close reading of these two novels, findings that while Austen and Woolf may have different perspectives on feminism, their works demonstrate a shared concern for the limitations and possibilities of women's lives in patriarchal societies. The paper concludes by suggesting that the ongoing relevance of these two authors lies in their ability to speak to contemporary debates around gender equality and the ongoing struggle for women's rights.

In literature, this movement was reflected in the works of many authors who explored the experiences of women in patriarchal societies and challenged traditional gender roles. Two notable examples of such literature are Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" and Virginia Woolf's "To the Lighthouse."

Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," set in 19th-century England and portrays the limited opportunities available to women during that time. The novel's protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet, is a strong-willed and intelligent woman who challenges traditional gender roles by refusing to conform to societal expectations of women's behavior. Elizabeth's refusal to remain silent and obedient, as well as her pursuit of her own happiness and her refusal to marry for financial security, exemplify the feminist ideals of independence and agency.

Throughout the novel, Austen also highlights the economic and social constraints faced by women during this time. For instance, the Bennet sisters are limited in their marriage prospects due to their lack of a dowry, which was necessary to secure a suitable husband. The novel also explores the double standards that existed in relationships between men and women, such as the pressure on women to be virtuous while men were allowed to behave recklessly.

Similarly, Woolf's "To the Lighthouse," published offers valuable insights into the psychological toll of societal expectations on women. The novel's central character, Mrs. Ramsay, struggles to balance her own desires and ambitions with her responsibilities as a wife and mother. Through her portrayal of Mrs. Ramsay, Woolf highlights the emotional labor and sacrifice required of women in patriarchal societies.

Lily Briscoe, the artist in Virginia Woolf's novel "To the Lighthouse," is a complex and nuanced character whose experiences offer valuable insights into feminist issues. As a woman and an artist, Lily faces numerous challenges related to her gender and the patriarchal society in which she lives. One of the main challenges that Lily faces is the expectation that women should prioritize domestic duties over creative pursuits. Lily's desire to paint is often at odds with her responsibilities as a caregiver and housekeeper. Woolf uses Lily's struggles to highlight the ways in which gender roles limit women's opportunities and creativity.Despite these challenges, Lily remains committed to her art and refuses to let societal expectations dictate her choices. She resists the pressure to conform to traditional gender roles and instead embraces her identity as an artist. This refusal to be constrained by societal norms is a central feminist theme in Woolf's work and serves as an inspiration for readers to challenge their own limitations.

Lily's experiences also offer insights into the struggles faced by women in male-dominated fields. As a female artist, Lily faces discrimination and marginalization in the art world. Her work is often dismissed as inferior because of her gender, and she struggles to find recognition and support for her artistic endeavors.Overall, Lily Briscoe's character is an important representation of feminist issues in literature. Her experiences highlight the limitations faced by women in patriarchal societies and the importance of resisting societal expectations to embrace one's own identity and creativity. Through her character, Woolf encourages readers to challenge gender roles and work towards gender equality.The novel also challenges traditional gender roles by depicting male characters who are more emotionally vulnerable and sensitive than the traditional masculine stereotype. Woolf uses these male characters to highlight the harm caused by patriarchal ideals of masculinity and the ways in which they limit men's emotional experiences.

In conclusion, the works of Austen and Woolf offer nuanced perspectives on the feminist movement of the 19th and 20th centuries. While Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" focuses on the economic and social limitations faced by women during the 19th century, Woolf's "To the Lighthouse" explores the emotional toll of societal expectations on women. Together, these novels emphasize the importance of women's agency, independence, and emotional well-being in the fight for gender equality.