Feminine ideal

Definition

The feminine ideal refers to a set of cultural standards and expectations regarding the roles, behaviors, and attributes that are deemed desirable for women in society. This concept often emphasizes traits such as purity, submissiveness, domesticity, and nurturing, aligning with the broader societal norms of femininity. Within literature, especially during the Victorian era, this ideal was often portrayed through characters and narratives that reinforced these values, impacting how women were viewed and their roles in society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The feminine ideal was heavily promoted in Victorian literature, where female characters often embodied traits associated with domesticity and moral purity.
2. Authors like George Eliot and the Brontë sisters began to challenge the feminine ideal by creating complex female characters who sought personal agency and fulfillment outside traditional roles.
3. The concept of the 'Angel in the House' exemplified the restrictive nature of the feminine ideal, encouraging women to be selfless and submissive to male authority.
4. The rise of the New Woman in the late 19th century marked a significant shift away from the feminine ideal, as women began advocating for their rights and greater societal roles.
5. The critique of the feminine ideal in literature highlighted tensions between societal expectations for women and their individual desires, revealing a struggle for identity and autonomy.

Review Questions

• How did the feminine ideal shape the portrayal of female characters in Victorian literature?
  • The feminine ideal significantly shaped female character portrayals in Victorian literature by establishing standards of behavior that emphasized submissiveness, purity, and domesticity. Many authors depicted women who conformed to these ideals, reinforcing societal expectations. However, some writers also critiqued this ideal by creating complex female characters who defied these norms, thus highlighting the limitations placed on women's identities within literature.
• In what ways did the emergence of the New Woman challenge traditional views of the feminine ideal during the late 19th century?
  • The emergence of the New Woman represented a direct challenge to traditional views of the feminine ideal by advocating for women's independence, education, and active participation in public life. This new archetype rejected the notion of women as solely domestic figures and instead promoted a more progressive vision of femininity that included personal fulfillment outside of marriage and motherhood. As a result, literature began to reflect these changing attitudes, showcasing strong female protagonists who pursued their ambitions.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of the feminine ideal on contemporary understandings of gender roles in literature and society today.
  • The lasting impact of the feminine ideal can be seen in contemporary discussions around gender roles in both literature and society. While many aspects of this ideal have been challenged and redefined over time, echoes remain in ongoing debates about femininity and gender expectations. Contemporary literature often grapples with these themes by exploring how characters navigate or resist traditional ideals. Moreover, societal standards continue to evolve as individuals advocate for diverse representations of femininity that encompass strength, independence, and complexity.

Related terms

Angel in the House: A Victorian-era ideal of womanhood that portrays women as self-sacrificing, devoted to family, and dedicated to serving others, often seen as the epitome of femininity.

New Woman: A feminist ideal emerging in the late 19th century that challenged traditional gender roles, advocating for women's independence, education, and participation in public life.

Gender Roles: The social and behavioral norms that dictate how individuals should behave based on their gender, which often delineates expectations for masculinity and femininity.