In celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, I’ve decided to reflect on some iconic female figures in literature. Each of these individuals offers her own interpretation of what it is to be a woman and provides us with valuable lessons that we can implement—even if just in little ways—into our everyday lives.
Jo March in Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women
As one of the most popular coming-of-age stories to date, Little Women offers plenty of lessons in love, charity, and compassion. Jo March, the ‘boy’ of the group, adds a fourth and equally important value to the list: independence. Despite the expectations of women at the time, Jo happily pursues her career in writing and is in no rush to find a husband. She decides to transform Plumfield into a private school on her own and is never discouraged from chasing her dreams out of fear of appearing unladylike. Although Jo ultimately settles down with Professor Bhaer, she does so on her own terms, showing readers that women can maintain their independence no matter where their lives lead them.
Denver in Toni Morrison’s Beloved
While she is not the main character in Toni Morrison’s chilling novel, Denver is nonetheless an important one. Concerned by her mother’s deteriorating health and mental state, Denver leaves her home after twelve years of confinement to search for help. With no guidance and minimal education, Denver finds her old teacher, Lady Jones, and is not only able to return home with food and supplies but also find a job for herself. Denver’s strength is no small feat. She must defy her mother’s previous orders, venture out into the world without aid, and finally admit to Beloved’s malignancy—despite the fact that Denver believes she is her sister’s spirit—in order to save her mother’s life.
Jane Eyre in Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre
Brontë’s Jane Eyre describes the hardships and struggles of the title character, an orphan brought up largely by her cruel aunt and an abusive headmaster. Jane exhibits admirable bravery throughout the book. From leaving Lowood to become a governess to fleeing Thornfield to returning to profess her undying love for Rochester, Jane constantly follows her instincts, even when she does not have an exact plan. Known for her iconic line, “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me,” Jane Eyre offers a depiction of personal bravery that all people can emulate.
Maya Angelou in her memoir I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings recounts the countless instances of racism, trauma, and horror that Angelou endured throughout her young life. Despite such innumerable atrocities, Angelou’s memoir is a portrait of her own perseverance. She emerges stronger every step of the way, with a new lesson learned or another harsh reality accepted. In the end, Angelou depicts herself blossoming as a confident, young mother and a strong, driven woman.
Happy Women’s History Month! Until next time,
Charlotte Beaurontё
This is a shared blog post for Beaufort Books and Spencer Hill Press.
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