In the early days of chivalry, it was a man’s world where families, estates, and businesses depended on them and their honor. The ladies were confined to their homes, being groomed for homemaking and childrearing duties. The means to survive then was to be under the wings of a man who will provide one food and shelter. In return was full service to keep the husbands comfortable as soon as they step in their threshold.
Since women then were at the mercy of men to provide for them, the ladies were groomed to be submissive, to set aside personal desires and prioritize those of men to ensure a secure future. During those ages, spunk in a lady’s personality might have been a challenge to her life and a scandal to society. There were some strong women that defied the norm and faced life head on in pursuit of their own happiness. The great icons are represented in the personalities brought to life by the pen and imaginations of female writers who were not necessarily born in the setting they depict, but beautifully crafted the characters of their novels with a balance of feminine charm and zest for independence.
One famous character is Elizabeth Bennet of the book “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen. Lizzie, as those dears to her call her, is the second of five daughters. In a time when matchmaking were decisions called upon by parents and the fear of spinsterhood for women was driven by practical reasons, Elizabeth dared to defy the practice by not settling for any man for the sake of security. Lizzie declined the marriage proposal of her pompous cousin, Mr. Collins, though her mother arranged for it. Incompatibility, which then was a matter to be endured by husband and wife so long as a safe haven is intact, was not acceptable. Lizzie declined even the proposal of Mr. Darcy, a rich and noble man, as she found his personality disagreeable. Practicality and security were not reasons enough for Elizabeth Bennet to compromise her ideals. She set her standards high, and stuck to it until the end, even at the risk of social ridicule and lifetime of loneliness. In the end, her determination allowed her full happiness, no less than she would have it.
Another great persona created is Scarlet O’Hara of “Gone With The Wind” by Margaret Mitchell. Scarlet, the eldest of three daughters, carried with her a personality so strong and a charm so irresistible that at a face of war, she was able to provide for her family to survive, save their estate, Tara, from invasion, and keep her self promise of “never going hungry again”, whether there’s turmoil or none. Scarlet is a depiction of a woman so driven and passionate that she used charm to influence men, and wit to outsmart and outrun businessmen. She did not let society’s norms get in the way of her dreams and saw no hurdles impossible to overcome.
Both female characters in subject were in settings most disadvantageous to women, but they were able to reach greater heights with willpower and courage as their driving force.
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