Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis examines the portrayal of gender roles in 19th-century British literature, focusing on how male and female characters are represented and the societal expectations placed upon them during this period. Through a comprehensive analysis of selected literary works from the 19th century, this study seeks to shed light on the ways in which gender roles were constructed, reinforced, and challenged in the literary imagination of the time. The introduction sets the stage for the study by providing background information on the social and cultural context of the 19th century, highlighting the prevailing attitudes towards gender roles and the emergence of feminist discourse. The problem statement identifies the gaps in existing scholarship and underscores the need for a detailed examination of gender representation in literature from this period. The objectives of the study are to analyze the portrayal of male and female characters in 19th-century British literature, explore the significance of gender roles in shaping the narratives of these works, and evaluate the impact of these representations on contemporary understandings of gender. The literature review delves into a wide range of primary and secondary sources, including novels, poems, and critical essays, to provide a comprehensive overview of the scholarly debates surrounding gender roles in 19th-century British literature. Key themes such as domesticity, masculinity, femininity, and power dynamics are explored in depth, offering valuable insights into the complexities of gender representation during this period. The research methodology section outlines the approach taken in this study, which combines close reading, textual analysis, and historical contextualization to interrogate the portrayal of gender roles in selected literary works. The methodology also includes a comparative analysis of male and female characters across different genres and authors to identify recurring patterns and variations in gender representation. The discussion of findings chapter presents the results of the analysis, highlighting patterns, contradictions, and ambiguities in the depiction of gender roles in 19th-century British literature. By examining the ways in which male and female characters are constructed and constrained by societal norms, this chapter offers a nuanced understanding of the complexities of gender representation in the literary works of this period. In conclusion, this thesis summarizes the key findings of the study and reflects on the implications of the portrayal of gender roles in 19th-century British literature for contemporary readers and scholars. By illuminating the ways in which gender roles were constructed and contested in the literary imagination of the time, this study contributes to a deeper appreciation of the historical and cultural significance of gender representation in literature. Overall, this thesis provides a comprehensive analysis of the portrayal of gender roles in 19th-century British literature, offering valuable insights into the ways in which male and female characters were depicted and the societal pressures that shaped their identities and actions.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "The Portrayal of Gender Roles in 19th Century British Literature" is a comprehensive exploration that delves into the depiction of gender roles within the context of British literary works of the 19th century. This research endeavor aims to analyze and interpret how gender roles were represented, challenged, and reinforced in the literary landscape of that era. By examining a wide range of literary texts from the 19th century, including novels, poems, and plays, this study seeks to shed light on the complex and nuanced ways in which gender identities were constructed and negotiated through literature. The research overview will involve a detailed examination of the societal norms, expectations, and stereotypes surrounding gender during the 19th century, providing a historical and cultural backdrop for understanding the portrayal of gender roles in literature. The study will also explore the ways in which authors of the period engaged with and responded to these gender conventions, whether by conforming to, subverting, or critiquing them in their works. Key themes to be explored in this project include the representation of masculinity and femininity, the construction of gender binaries, the portrayal of gendered power dynamics, and the role of literature in shaping and reflecting societal attitudes towards gender. Through a close reading and analysis of selected literary works, this research endeavor aims to offer insights into how 19th-century British literature both reflected and influenced the evolving understanding of gender roles during that time. Overall, this project seeks to contribute to the ongoing scholarly conversation surrounding gender studies, literary analysis, and cultural history by offering a nuanced and in-depth exploration of how gender roles were depicted and interrogated in 19th-century British literature. By examining the portrayal of gender in a variety of literary texts from this period, this study aims to illuminate the complex interplay between literature, culture, and gender identity in the Victorian era.