English Literature

1. Feminism in
Feminism in 19th &20th Century :A Comparative Analysis of
'To the Lighthouse' and 'Pride and Prejudice'
Virginia Woolf and Jane Austen

2. Name:- Aamena Rangwala
From:- Department of English Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji
Bhavnagar University
Email:- aamenarangwala51@gmail.com
M.A Semester 4

3. Table of content
1 Abstract
2 Objectives
3 Introduction
4 Portrayal of
female
characters
5 Conclusion
6 Work Cited

4. Abstract
This research paper focuses on exploring the feminist ideas in Virginia Woolf and Jane
Austen's novel. Jane Austen use style known as “free indirect discourse” or “free indirect
style”. She was one of the first writers to use it consistently throughout her work.Virginia
Woolf is often considered one of the most innovative writers of the 20th century, best known
for fractured narratives and writing in a stream-of-consciousness prose style, in which
characters are depicted through their interior monologue. The 19th and 20th centuries saw a
significant shift in the social and cultural roles of women, and both Woolf and Austen are
prominent voices in the exploration of these themes.In this paper I analyze the ways in which
Woolf and Austen challenge traditional gender norms and explore the complexities of female
agency, power, and identity in patriarchal society through the female characters.
Keywords:- Feminism, Lily Briscoe, Elizabeth Bennet, Power, Identify, Independence

5. Objectives
To analyse how the two novels reflect changing attitudes towards gender roles and the
status of women during the 19th and 20th centuries.
To identify the ways in which the authors challenge or reinforce societal expectations of
gender roles and how they depict the experiences of women during their respective time
periods.
To compare the approach of feminism taken by the two authors and how they contribute
to the feminist literary tradition.
Overall ,the objectives for this research aim to provide insights into the ways in which the
two novels contribute to feminist discourse and how they reflect the experiences of
women during the 19th and 20th centuries. By achieving these objectives, one can
contribute to a deeper understanding of the representation of women in literature and the
evolution of feminist ideas over time.

6. Introduction
What is Feminism?
The term 'feminism' has its origin from the Latin word 'femina' meaning 'woman' (through
French 'feminisme'), and thereby refers to the advocacy of women's rights, status and
power at par with men on the grounds of 'equality of sexes'. In other words, it relates to
the belief that women should have the same social, economic and political rights as men.
The term became popular from the early twentieth century struggles for securing women's
suffrage or voting rights (the suffragette movement) in the western countries and the later
well- organized socio-political movement for women's emancipation from patriarchal
oppression.

7. Continue…
The 19th and 20th centuries were marked by significant progress in feminist thought and activism, leading
to changes in women's legal rights, social roles, and cultural representations.
Two iconic works of literature that explore feminist themes in the 19th and 20th centuries are "Pride and
Prejudice" by Jane Austen and "To the Lighthouse" by Virginia Woolf. Both novels provide a window into
the challenges faced by women in their respective times, and how they navigated societal expectations and
gender roles.
"Pride and Prejudice," published in 1813, is a satirical portrayal of the Regency era in England, where the
primary goal for women was to secure a financially advantageous marriage. The protagonist, Elizabeth
Bennet, challenges these norms through her wit and independence, rejecting the societal pressure to marry
for money and instead choosing a partner who values her for who she is.

8. Continue…
“To The Lighthouse," published in 1927, explores the changing attitudes towards women
in the early 20th century, and the challenges faced by women in achieving self-realization
and autonomy. Lily Briscoe's character embodies feminist ideology through her
dedication to her art, rejection of traditional gender roles, and challenge to societal beauty
standards. She serves as a powerful example of women's independence and autonomy.

9. The portrayal of feminism through the character Lily Briscoe and Elizabeth
Bennet
Comparing both the novels with their feminist character. While both characters represent
feminist ideals in their own ways, the societal norms and expectations of their respective
times differ greatly.
Lily Briscoe's character represents the modern woman of the early 20th century who
sought to break away from the traditional gender roles of the past. Her decision to pursue
her passion for painting, despite the societal pressure to marry and have children,
represents a feminist ideal of autonomy and independence. She challenges the idea that
women's only purpose is to serve men and their families, and instead values her own
creative pursuits and independence.

10. Continue…
Elizabeth Bennet's character, on the other hand, represents the strong-willed and
intelligent woman of the late 18th and early 19th centuries who also challenged traditional
gender norms. Her refusal to marry for money or social status and her outspokenness
about her opinions represent a feminist ideal of autonomy and independence.
Both Lily Briscoe and Elizabeth Bennet represent feminist ideals of autonomy and
independence, but they do so in different ways that reflect the societal expectations of
their respective times. Lily Briscoe represents the modern woman who sought to break
away from traditional gender roles, while Elizabeth Bennet represents the strong-willed
and intelligent woman of the late 18th and early 19th centuries who challenged gender
norms, but still faced limitations on her independence and options.

11. Conclusion
Virginia Woolf's "To the Lighthouse" and Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" provide
valuable insights into the feminist movement of the 19th and 20th centuries. "Pride and
Prejudice" reflects the growing awareness of women's rights and the emergence of a
feminist movement in the 19th century. It portrays a society in transition, where women
are beginning to challenge their traditional roles and assert their independence. "To the
Lighthouse," on the other hand, reflects the feminist movement of the early 20th century,
which focused on the internal experiences of women and their struggles for autonomy and
self-realization.
Overall, these novels represent a significant contribution to the feminist literary canon and
continue to inspire and empower women today.

12. Work Cited
Abrams, M.H., and Harpham, Geoffrey. A Glossary of Literary
Terms. United States, Cengage Learning, 2014.
Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Edited by Vivien Jones, Penguin Classics,
2003.
Singh, Kanwar Dinesh. Feminism and Postfeminism: The Context of Modern
Indian Women Poets Writing in English. India, Sarup & Sons, 2004.
Woolf, Virginia. To the Lighthouse. United Kingdom, L. & V. Woolf at the
Hogarth Press, 1927.

13. Thanks!