The Evolution of Women in Literature in the 1900s Essay Example

For women who wanted more out of life than domestic labor, the 1900s were a difficult time. The greater culture considered domesticity and motherhood to be sufficient enough for women’s emotional satisfaction and pleasure. Ultimately, a women’s place was found within the home. As patriarchy rose beyond women’s demands, it became more difficult for them to overcome women’s standards and achieve social equality. Women, being one of the perpetual victims of male domination, had no choice but to become complicit in what they couldn’t control and follow laws that were beyond their power. They were obligated to give birth, care for the family, and raise children as a result of their complicity; however, they were not allowed to participate in education, work-life, politics, or any type of affairs, as per parental expectations. The white male built what they regarded to be the best life for women, and battled hard to ensure that the norms remained in place. Each year brought further progress, notably in terms of opening up the area of literature to women; nonetheless, there were numerous setbacks along the road. Women’s literature steadily evolved into what it is now, allowing women to write their own stories, share their opinions, and combat stereotypes about writing as women’s opportunities improved in the 1900s.

In the 1900s, women’s voices were far less prominent than men’s, and as a result, women shied away from speaking their tales. The patriarchy was thought more essential than women’s experiences and encounters, and as a result of this lack of concern, the idea of women being able to write about these tales was deemed less important and irrelevant to society. Men’s perceptions, on the other hand, had to gradually shift as women’s literature became more accessible. One particular form of literature that males had to overcome was stories revolving around messages women wanted others to comprehend and acquire. In particular, Girl Scout literature and the movement itself were two specific things that piqued women’s attention. “Handbooks, novels, and periodical literature [provided] insight into the degree to which the Girl Scout organization promoted gender equality; expected a women’s sphere to be expanded outside the realm of children, the home, and mortality; and encouraged women to display their independence” according to Girl Scout literature (Revzin). The handbooks contain stories about women’s experiences and how they have modified their attitudes to avoid falling prey to male expectations. It uses these stories to encourage young girls to be strong and independent in order for them to achieve great things in life; moreover, to live in a more suitable way than previous generations of women who were unable to. With women’s right to create their own stories, younger generations will have a better understanding of how powerful women can be in vulnerable positions. It also gives them the knowledge they need to be as strong-willed as those who came before, as well as how to not be undermined by a man Another significant part of women being allowed to write their own experiences is advice literature. It was reported that “[i]n the first two decades of the twentieth century, advice literature began to reflect middle-class women’s roles in the workforce. By the 1920s, prescriptive literature also offered some encouragement to the married women worker” (Blackwelder 79). Women, too, benefit from stories because they are granted the access to read tales from women in the workforce, and can be encouraged to participate rather than live in fear. Because of the influence, young girls and women have while reading about other women’s hardships in the twentieth century, this component of women’s literature is thought to be the most essential of the three. 

Another gain that gives women more power and influence in society is the ability to express themselves via literature. When it comes to opinions, the patriarchy has based its’ beliefs on what men want to read about, such as war, power, and money; however, women’s ability to now share their own opinions helps shine a light on how each person’s opinions help another person in some way, shape, or form. For example, men’s literature focused on “establishing masculine identity,” “resolving conflicts with authority,” “entering into an appropriate marriage,” and “acting as a good father,” women were able to express their opinions and ideas differently for the sole goal of providing support to people in need (Wolff). Through literature, women are able to share their views on “oppression” that they have faced, as well as their views on “sexism in male writers,” and how they believe their convictions will enable them to “transform the functioning of all society” through composition (Marks 10-11). Being able to write about their own beliefs gives women the power to call out the patriarchy and confront social inequality put on women in the 1900s. Sharing viewpoints also aid males in comprehending the perspective of women, as well as demonstrates the value and significance of women’s thoughts and feelings. In some ways, it brings the two genders closer together in terms of equality by allowing each gender to read the ideas of the other. It also allowed women to take a stand in the fight to break down barriers between men and women. It demonstrated that there was no longer any fear amount women who could finally express their dissatisfaction with the treatment they had received to the public. 

The final gained benefit passed to women through literature is the ability to combat the stereotypes regarding women being able to write; moreover, the stereotypes regarding what women write about and how they use their gained ability. In the 1900s, it was deemed that “[m]en are more important in society because they do hold the principal roles which govern it. Wars are more important than female thoughts in a drawing-room”; however, what men failed to realize was that women, as well, write about war and express their sentiments about it. Furthermore, it is obvious in a variety of ways how each gender’s war stories are similar to, yet different in their own distinct ways.  It was claimed that “Just as battlefield reports, war stories, and personal narratives concentrated on men’s experiences of war, an extensive feminized war literature, including stories, essays, poems, articles, novels, broadsides, and cartoons, portrayed women’s domestic war experiences as a vital part of the conflict” (Fahs). Men had this preconceived notion that women’s writing would be entirely uninteresting to men and completely irrelevant to society; yet, they were unaware of the parallels and similarities that exist between the genders. In fact, “feminized literature often appeared side by side with masculinized literature exploring men’s experiences,” refuting the myth that all women’s literature is undesirable to men (Wolff). In this situation, women’s ability to break down stereotypes men have held onto for so long demonstrates the amount of power they have always had. It also illustrates the degree to which their language is significant and meaningful to society. 

Ultimately, the evolution of women’s literature can be seen through the passage of time and the emergence of new opportunities. After being denied for far too long, women were finally given the ability to do more than just housework and family responsibilities. Women’s drive and determination gave them a yearning for more in life than the objectifying positions they were compelled to accept; nonetheless, conquering their difficulties only strengthened them once they were given the right to pursue more complex tasks like writing and publishing. Women’s literature was a significant step in breaking free from male dominance, allowing women to tell their tales, express their opinions, and challenge preconceptions. It provided women a sense of belonging in society and the opportunity to feel empowered after being perceived as weaker by males.