This thesis examines the role of marriage and gender relations in two influential Gothic novels, namely A Sicilian Romance by Ann Radcliffe and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. Both novels belong to...Show moreThis thesis examines the role of marriage and gender relations in two influential Gothic novels, namely A Sicilian Romance by Ann Radcliffe and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. Both novels belong to the sub-genre of ‘Female Gothic’ and deal with female protagonists who are victims of oppression by patriarchal figures. Female Gothic heroines rebel against their oppressors and are often successful in achieving some sort of freedom or independence. This striving for freedom can be defined as their ‘quest for freedom’. In their oppression, marriage fulfils a central role, as it is used to satisfy the selfish desires of their male superiors without any regards to their opinion. Simultaneously, however, marriage seems to serve as a key in the escape from their oppression, resulting in an interesting antithesis concerning the function and role of marriage in these novels. This raises the question of whether these marriages at the end actually align with the Female Gothic’s quest for freedom and independence. Therefore, this thesis examines to what extent Julia’s and Jane’s marriage in the novels A Sicilian Romance and Jane Eyre align with the overarching theme of freedom and independence of Female Gothic. I will do so by examining Julia’s and Jane’s quests for freedom and independence more closely in relation to the meaning of marriage in both novels. I will argue that Julia’s marriage in A Sicilian Romance is successful in strengthening the novel’s theme of freedom, as it shows that marriage in itself is not the equivalent of imprisonment and that it even catalyses her desire for freedom, causing her to actively oppose her arranged marriage. Jane’s marriage in Jane Eyre, however, undermines the novel’s theme of independence, as it shows her willingness to forgo her principles for the judgemental and possessive love of Rochester. Even though at the end of the novel, they reach equality, neither of them is able to recognize nor accept it, strengthening Jane’s feeling of inferiority.Show less
Gothic Literature forms an important piece of the foundation of feminism and gender-equality movements that are existent today; throughout the centuries literature has been a vehicle for commentary...Show moreGothic Literature forms an important piece of the foundation of feminism and gender-equality movements that are existent today; throughout the centuries literature has been a vehicle for commentary (even in times when outright protest could be dangerous), and the Gothic is no exception. As such, Gothic Literature forms a representation of the society that formed its’ base, and a study of the gender roles as portrayed within the novels allows for an understanding of the gender roles within Gothic society- even more importantly, the novels of the time contain the bases of the changes that marked the period. The writers of the Gothic commented on the old patriarchy through their prevalently male adversaries warring against young heroines, and called for a new form of patriarchy that would rid women of the sometimes violent oppressions they suffered under outdated notions of gender roles. The heroines of the Gothic as such become the embodiment of a new generation of women that treaded outside their traditional sphere, demanding education and rights, even if remaining under the protection of their fathers and husbands. This commentary on patriarchy, and the representation of proto-feminism in Gothic Literature will form the core of my research, and this thesis.Show less
