WJEC ENGLISH LITERATURE

How do Kate Chopin and Anne Bronte use their protagonists to critique the
position of women in conventional 19 th Century marriages?
Both Edna in ‘The Awakening’, and Helen in ‘The Tenant of Wildfell Hall’ defy expectations
of the stereotypical Victorian woman. During the reign of Queen Victoria, a woman’s place
was considered to be in the home. A good and virtuous woman’s life revolved around the
domestic sphere of the home and family; she was expected to be diligent and pious.
Domesticity and motherhood were portrayed as sufficient emotional fulfilment for women,
and marriage signified a woman’s maturity and respectability. However, towards the end of
the century, the ‘first-wave’ of feminism began to emerge, with the aim of gaining better
education and employment for middle-class women.
In terms of literature, Romanticism had become prominent as a movement. This can be seen
in ‘The Awakening’ through Chopin’s use of exotic locations, use of colour and an emphasis
on nature. Naturalism is also evident in ‘The Awakening’ as Kate Chopin portrays Edna’s
search for individuality and freedom, and the contradiction between these; Edna is portrayed
as hostage to her biology. Moreover, we must also be aware that the literary movements of
the 19 th century likewise affected Chopin’s predecessors. Anne Bronte, for example,
produced one of the first feminist novels and overturned sexual politics of the time. This
unification of ideas led certain critics to deem ‘The Tenant of Wildfell Hall’ “utterly unfit to be
put into the hands of girls”. Literature emerged as an outlet for self expression; the
unreserved, forthright Helen Graham and Edna Pontellier set a new standard of behaviour
for 19 th century women.
Living in a state no more satisfying than slavery, women of the 19 th century were held under
man-made laws to become dependant on men: first as a daughter and then as a wife. Once
married, their husbands had full right to their money, inheritance, earning and full rights to
th eir wife. Every man had the right to force his wife into sex and into childbirth. This is
exemplified early in ‘The Awakening’, when Mr. Pontellier regards Edna as the “sole object
of his existence”. The use of “object” dehumanises Edna, and brings her down to the level of
an inanimate being or “object”. Additionally, although (according to Leonce) “Edna was not a
mother woman,” it is made clear that Edna is not abused by Leonce. It is also evident that
Edna is not criticised by other characters in the novel for not attending to her children’s
needs.
Edna is childlike and overly imaginative “She had pictured him [Robert] seeking her at the
very first hour,” and soon realises the discrepancy between her romantic visions and the
reality of her situation. Edna fails to consider the needs and desires of anyone else;
especially those of her children, leaving them in the care of their grandmother without a
second thought. Her children are also described as “sturdy little fellows” and “if one of the
litt le Pontellier boys took a tumble whilst at play, he was not apt to rush crying to his mother’s
arms for comfort, he would more likely pick himself up, wipe the water out of his eyes and
the sand out of his mouth and go on playing.” This independence shown by the children can
only be a result of their mother’s lack of maternal care and love for them. As Sheri Metzger
states, ‘Edna attempts to reject this patriarchal society, but she does not have the freedom to
do so. Edna cannot escape society and her marriage; all she can do is escape her life’.
Typical women of the 19 th century “worshipped their husbands” and could be seen “fluttering
about with extended, protecting wings.” However, of course, their wings were only intended
to exist for protecting, and not flying, showing us that 19 th century women were not expected
to break away from conventions and were tied down to family life.
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