The Role of Women in Literary Work - How They Have Influenced the Culture

Gender has always been a significant part of a person's life, starting from the moment of birth when society assigns roles based on gender. In patriarchal societies, men often hold more privilege, and women are expected to play certain roles in relation to them.

Source - International Women's Day

These expectations limit individuals, often defining their worth or role based on their gender. Literature, as a reflection of society, also plays a part in shaping and reinforcing these gender roles.

Through the portrayal of female characters in novels, both by male and female authors, we can better understand how gender roles influence individuals’ lives, especially women’s opportunities and constraints.

Women Written by Men vs. Men Written by Women

The phrase “women written by men” highlights how male writers often depict women in a limited and one-dimensional way. Female characters are frequently portrayed in stereotypical roles, such as the damsel in distress or the love interest with no real depth.

Take, for example, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where female characters often have their stories overshadowed by male counterparts, sometimes only appearing to support a romantic subplot.

Jonathan Franzen, a celebrated novelist, also received criticism for the way he described female characters, such as calling one "measurably dumber" than others in his book Freedom. Male writers often focus on the appearance of female characters, which sometimes feels uncomfortable or unnecessary.

On the flip side, the idea of “men written by women” emerged recently, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok. This refers to male characters written with a more emotional depth and complexity that appeals to the female gaze.

These male characters, like Peeta Mellark from The Hunger Games or Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice, are not defined solely by their relationships with the main female characters but also have their motives and identities.

They show emotional vulnerability, breaking traditional gender norms. This representation of men feels more genuine and warm compared to the often shallow portrayal of women in male-written works.

Female Representation in Novels by Male Authors

Stephen King: Stereotypical Female Characters

Stephen King, known for his horror novels, has faced criticism for how he writes female characters. In early works like Carrie and The Shining, women are often portrayed in limited roles, reflecting societal views of women as either victims or caretakers.

Carrie White, the protagonist of Carrie, may display moments of empowerment with her telekinetic abilities, but she is often shown as a victim, which feeds into the stereotype of women being overly emotional or volatile when in power.

Similarly, Wendy Torrance in The Shining is portrayed as a loving mother and wife but is also a victim of domestic violence. King’s portrayal of female characters tends to reduce them to basic archetypes, lacking the depth that male characters in his works often have.

F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Limited Agency of Women

In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the female characters, including Daisy Buchanan, are largely defined by their relationships with men. Daisy, for example, is depicted as materialistic and indecisive, relying on the wealth and decisions of the men around her.

Although the novel critiques the rigid societal structure of the 1920s, the women in the story remain largely powerless. Jordan Baker, another female character, represents a more modern, androgynous woman of the era who defies traditional femininity.

However, even Jordan’s characterization revolves around her relationships with men, and she still falls within the narrow roles available to women in a patriarchal society.

Female Representation in Novels by Female Authors

Suzanne Collins: Empowering Female Characters

In contrast, Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games trilogy presents a strong female protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, who challenges traditional gender roles. Unlike previous female characters in dystopian genres who often serve as passive figures, Katniss is independent, skilled, and intelligent.

Her character is defined by her resourcefulness and courage, not by the need for protection from male characters. Katniss’s journey is about survival and sacrifice for her loved ones, showing that women can be both strong and vulnerable without fitting into the typical gender stereotypes.

Collins uses Katniss to criticize the societal constraints placed on women, offering a new way of seeing female agency in the context of oppression.

Jane Austen: Critiquing Gender and Society

Jane Austen’s novels, including Pride and Prejudice and Emma, provide a critical view of the roles women are expected to play in society. Austen’s heroines are witty, intelligent, and independent, challenging the traditional expectations of women during the Regency period.

Elizabeth Bennet, for example, rejects the idea of marrying for financial stability and instead chooses love. Austen’s novels show that women, though constrained by societal pressures to marry and maintain a certain social status, have their own desires, ambitions, and intellects.

Through her characters, Austen critiques the limitations placed on women and offers a more empowering portrayal, emphasizing the importance of education, independence, and personal growth.

The portrayal of women in literature, whether by male or female authors, has always been shaped by societal gender norms and expectations. While male authors often present female characters through limited, stereotypical lenses, female authors, create women with agency, intelligence, and independence.

As society continues to evolve, so too should the way we represent women in literature. By recognizing and questioning the gender roles in literary works, we can move towards more inclusive storytelling that reflects the true complexity of human experiences, free from restrictive stereotypes.



Written By Ananya Singh

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