Womens Role in Society during the Romantic, Victorian and 20th Century Periods in the British Literature - Essay Example

Sur 19 November Women’s Role in Society during the Romantic, Victorian and 20th Century Periods in the Context of the British Literature Theme Introduction: The women’s role in a society has been changing since the early times. Although there have always been exceptions, yet in general the women have always been made to live a life of struggle. From the Romantic era through the Victorian phase and in the twentieth century, the role of women has changed where now the women present themselves as a symbol of strong power reflecting their voices standing out among the crowd that was not a situation that could be observed few years ago. Now she presents herself to prove her worth not less than a male in the society. The current study focuses on the role of the women in the society from the times of the Romantic period, the Victorian times and in the twentieth century. The Romantic Period: Where in the Romantic period, the British women would wish to present their artistic talents through their writings, their literatures, their creation of dramas, the society was then not supportive of women representing plays and dramas and their writings being published by their names. The support that such writings by the females received from the male authorities in different theatres was on the verge of an end during the period of the eighteenth century to the early nineteenth century. Thus the situation in regard to the women’s role and involvement in the literature and drama proved to have a negative presentation during the Romantic period. Gradually the talents and the literature capabilities of the women started fading away and it proved to be a failure on the part of the society who could not support the role of the women. However this was not the end. This period also witnessed the turnaround of the women in the society and the successful return of the plays and dramas presented by them (Crisafulli & Elam, 5-11). Slowly and gradually the works of female writers started to be recognized and significantly grabbing the attention of several critics. There was a historical change occurring based on the political influences these writings and plays were having on the societies. Although a widespread study and understanding was still in waiting the feminist writers of the era struggled to prove their contributions that either inspired or hindered the theoretical world of that period of time. The women encountered challenges in the midst of their domestic works and yet focused their actions related to the literature and dramatic writings. Their theories gradually became popular since these women writers believed their dramas to socially influence their societies. Their stories brought revisions in the theories and let the feelings of their pains and sufferings come out through their plays (Crisafulli & Elam, 22-28). Thus the Romantic era can be found to reflect the struggling role of women against a society that undermined and ignored their abilities and put constraints on their boundaries of expressing their talents and power through their writings, theories and plays with the use of literature that was so popular in the era. The Victorian Times: The Victorian time was the period of reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 1901. During this period, there were immigration of foreign lands and other ruling measures were occurring. The role of the women was significant during this period of time as they contributed to the imperialism activities of both Britain and India in terms of the Victorian rule and led to an ideological belief that was pertinent at the time. Earlier, the act of imperialism was supposed by the society as an act of the males that the women of the Victorian era proved to be wrong. They contributed to the society by reflecting the supremacy of their nation through their active participation and works. With their roles being acknowledged and advanced, they were supposed to be the causes of the moral supremacy of the European nations as they were regarded as the power for the development of the society (Soncini, 183-186). Thus during the Victorian times, the role of the women changes drastically and they were regarded as pure and innocent and responsible for all moral actions for their nations. This behavior was in contrast to the manner the Indian women were accepted by their societies that was a symbol of difference marking the colonization between the nations. Thus the role of the women was also a way to morally reflect the European nation stronger in comparison to India. In regard to the sexuality of these females, it was considered that the veils they used were to remind that they were the symbols of female sexuality. There was an increase in the awareness of race and culture, there was an increasing encouragement provided to the Indian men and the British women to get married. Thus the Indian culture influenced these British ladies to a large extent in this era. However the similarities in the role of the British women in the politics and the imperialism activities of the Victorian rules of the period provided a great support for the nation’s colonial activities. The women during this period were put under sincere and severe focus and were at the highest point of concern in regard to the nation’s culture, policies, and the activities of imperialism (Soncini, 186-194). Thus during the Victorian times, it can be realized that the role of the women changed to a great extent from the earlier ages, and now the women were considered as significant and necessary for the nation’s benefits in the periods of their rule and colonization. The Twentieth Century: The scenario in regard to the role of the women in the twentieth century can be observed to be highly different from the early periods since now the women are more educated and participates in the income of the family as well. Not only are they powerful in their economic contribution to their families but they now also fighting for their own rights in the society. They are participating into social works for the benefits of the society. Also, they are parts of the politics where they take decisions in regard to the war and revolution measures as well. However, considering the society’s acceptance of the women’s powerful role, discrimination could still be visible and males are still given higher priority in regard to employment services or other rights related to the facilities for women. The parliaments at this period of time can be found to deliver several measures in the support of the women’s rights such that they could be treated equally to that of the males of the societies (Great Britain Home Office, 29). In the twentieth century, the workforces contain several woman employees in spite of the discrimination that still might prevail in the society. Their qualifications are better than before as more stress is given to their education facilities. The opportunities for the women have also increased in different sectors of employment. The role of the women are also highly significant in their homes where the primarily of care and concern for the family lies with her. However, now the responsibilities do not lie with only the women members of the family. Rather, the male members contribute equally to facilitate the household activities of their female family members that were not the case in the earlier periods of time. However the discrimination still prevails in the society, particularly in the workplace where although the women get the opportunities to work, the opportunities to move to the higher levels still lay with the male employees of the organizations (Great Britain Home Office, 29). Overview and Conclusion: The three different periods of time in the history and present world reflect different roles that women had in the societies. Much of this has the effect and impacts of the society that discriminate the women and still now prevent them from having the full freedom of accessing different opportunities. However from the Romantic period, through the Victorian period and till the twentieth century, significant alterations can be realized as observed through the above mentioned reflections. These studies imply that the role of the women has changed and further changes can be expected in the future years. Where earlier the women were bound to restrict themselves under the rules and policies of the society, now they are fighting for their rights and proving their power and strength in every field, be it their choice of career or the household responsibilities, or their participation in the economics and politics of their nations. The British women have proved their power over the years and the coming years can expect more out of them, only with the need for the society as a whole to chnge their views for the role of the women. References 1) Crisafulli, Lilla Maria & Keir Elam. Women’s romantic theatre and drama: history, agency, and performativity, Surrey: Ashgate Publishing, 2010 2) Great Britain Home Office. Life in the United Kingdom: a journey to citizenship, London: The Stationary Office, 2007 3) Soncini, Sara. Myths of Europe, Netherlands: Rodopi, 2007 Read More