Post by subhanikp on Nov 18, 2015 14:28:15 GMT
The issue of sex is a highly significant topic in regards to the role of women. There is a multitude of different views on women and the act of sex. These varying views stem from the opposing categories that women have been placed in. The two categories are the pure, submissive angel and the independent, passionate monster. One of the main acts that categorizes a woman is the act of sex. This one act greatly influences how women are viewed by society. But can the act of sex truly define the character of a woman? I believe that a woman's view on sexual acts is not an indicator as to the personality of the woman.
The pure, submissive angel is defined as a woman who is a passionless virgin. In other words, if a woman does not exhibit any sexual characteristics, she is labeled as submissive, frail, and self-sacrificing. On the other hand, the independent, passionate monster is a woman who is as sexually liberal as most men. She is labeled as strong-willed and selfish. These two categories are strongly divided based on the sexual liberty of women. This idea can be seen in the cases of both Bertha and Jane.
Upon initial consideration, Bertha is viewed as a passionate monster due to her relationship with Rochester. Their relationship is mainly based in engaging in sexual acts. However, looking past this relationship, Bertha is much more closely associated with the submissive angel. She must constantly make sacrifices to comply with Rochester's desires. In addition, Rochester suppresses Bertha's personality, treating her in a very child-like manner. All of these examples point to her status as a submissive angel rather than a passionate monster. Her sex life has little to do with her role in society.
On the other hand, Jane is closely associated with the passionate monster category of women. She displays both a strong will and intellect. Jane becomes completely independent, which she shows when she makes the decision to leave Thornfield and Rochester behind. However, Jane is not the passionate whore that this category describes. She shows no signs of being sexually liberal. Nonetheless, she displays all the other characteristics of the passionate monster. This contradiction goes to show that a woman's sex life does not influence her personality and status in society.
Both women serve as examples that show that sexual acts cannot define a woman. The opposing views on sex that women possess are unrelated to their role in society.
The pure, submissive angel is defined as a woman who is a passionless virgin. In other words, if a woman does not exhibit any sexual characteristics, she is labeled as submissive, frail, and self-sacrificing. On the other hand, the independent, passionate monster is a woman who is as sexually liberal as most men. She is labeled as strong-willed and selfish. These two categories are strongly divided based on the sexual liberty of women. This idea can be seen in the cases of both Bertha and Jane.
Upon initial consideration, Bertha is viewed as a passionate monster due to her relationship with Rochester. Their relationship is mainly based in engaging in sexual acts. However, looking past this relationship, Bertha is much more closely associated with the submissive angel. She must constantly make sacrifices to comply with Rochester's desires. In addition, Rochester suppresses Bertha's personality, treating her in a very child-like manner. All of these examples point to her status as a submissive angel rather than a passionate monster. Her sex life has little to do with her role in society.
On the other hand, Jane is closely associated with the passionate monster category of women. She displays both a strong will and intellect. Jane becomes completely independent, which she shows when she makes the decision to leave Thornfield and Rochester behind. However, Jane is not the passionate whore that this category describes. She shows no signs of being sexually liberal. Nonetheless, she displays all the other characteristics of the passionate monster. This contradiction goes to show that a woman's sex life does not influence her personality and status in society.
Both women serve as examples that show that sexual acts cannot define a woman. The opposing views on sex that women possess are unrelated to their role in society.
