Discuss the treatment of women in society with reference to Charlotte E

Discuss the treatment of women in society with reference to CharlotteBrontes Jane Eyre and Margaret Atwoods A Handmaids storey.In this essay, I will compare a pre-twentieth century novel with amodern novel, and examine the discussion of the treatment of women insociety.Jane Eyre was first published in 1847, and was written by CharlotteBronte. It is the story of a young woman, Jane Eyre, ill treatedthrough childhood, but determined and intelligent. Through the novel,the reader watches her grow and develop as a person, and overcome manyproblems, to become a respectable, independent woman. It is said thatJane Eyre contains many autobiographical elements from Brontes ownexperiences of life.Bronte uses this novel to observe and criticize oppressive socialideas that were harsh in nineteenth century Victorian society. Janesposition as a governess (another autobiographical element, asCharlotte too was a governess) is an imperative tool in the novel, asit provides a neutral vantage point f rom which to observe thesepractices of Victorian society. Governesses were expected to pretend theeducation and culture of the aristocracy, but were still looked at asthe equivalent status as servants, as they were paid employees. They wereseen as lower class, as shown by Lady Ingram in chapter 17Dont mention governesses, the word makes me nervous. I have suffereda martyrdom from their incompetence.In hers physiognomy I see all the faults of her class.Female oppression is another prominent issue in the book. Brontecreates struggles that Jane must overcome to pass equality withmen, and she resists the superior attitude of men who believe womenshould have submissive positions. For ex... ...ppressed. The message is that this balance between men and woman isdelicate and its future uncertain. In reading the book you realisethat it is entirely possible for woman to lose their rightscompletely, and the social clock, in relation to woman in society,could be turned back. The Handmaids Ta le is set in the future an anysigns of the rights of women as we know them are banished and barren,except in the pain ridden memories of women living reduced roles.Charlotte Bronte, although more subtle in her approach than Atwood,displays just as much passion concerning rights of women. At severalpoints she acknowledges that womens role in society is questionable,and should be a prominent issue in womens minds.I thoroughly enjoyed reading both books and feel that both areexcellent pieces of literature that put across a strong, importantmessage.