Gender in Literature Essay - 2083 Words

People who are different, who go against the status quo, are those that receive labels like outcasts, weird, or freaks. Characters that are different however, are attractive to audiences. It is their defiance and ability to see through the cracks of stereotypical society and rebel against them that can peak curiosity within a reader. There are people in the world who believe that they alone in their thoughts or actions; they can find common ground- or inspiration through a character. These outcasts are the ones that trigger emotions within the audience, ranging all over the emotional spectrum: from anger to shock to envy. Many authors, especially those who lived and wrote during times of repression of groups and urges for social change,†¦show more content†¦However, it is not always necessary that a third party place the label of â€Å"outsider† on an individual. The feeling of being outsider can be internalized first, before the outside community is even aware of any deviations from common society. This internalization is found in both Kate Chopin’s character Edna Pontellier and Sandra Cisneros’s protagonist Cleà ³filas; where both authors play on the gender discrimination, as well as social standing. In literature women are often portrayed as outcasts, especially in times where new movements or progressive thinking were taking on rights issues. Chopin and Cisneros come from different eras, and their characters experience different discriminations; Edna is mostly ostracized for going against her gender norm, while Cleà ³filas is discriminated due to race and gender. In stories such as these, is important to understand the time period in which Edna and Cleà ³filas were created in order to fully grasp the concept of them as outsiders to their societies and why they were outsiders. While Edna is not specifically quarreling over woman’s rights, Chopin’s writing was such a progressive piece that it sparked controversy. During the late 1800s, women were still limited as to what they were allowed to pursue or own. According to Paul S. Boyer, author of American History: A Very Short Introduction ¸ writes that â€Å"Women’s situation varied widely, depending on geography, race, ethnicity, and class†Show MoreRelatedGender Inequality in Literature1223 Words   |  5 PagesGender Inequality in Literature Gender equality, men and women having the same rights and obligations, and everyone having the same opportunities in society, has been a topic of discussion for many centuries (Dorious and Firebaugh). Women have used literature as a voice to defend their gender equality rights. Female authors have tried to achieve extraordinary success in literature while functioning in a culture that frowned upon female literary desire. 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