Subverting Gender Roles in Dickens’ Great Expectationsthrough the Lens of Feminism

Abstract

This paper investigates the subversion of the gender stereotypes in Charles Dickens' Great Expectations from the feminist perspective. Analyzing the representation of the female characters in the novel (Estella, Miss Havisham, Mrs. Joe Gargery, Biddy, and Molly) who demonstrated resistance to Victorian ideals, it emphasized them by the actions over the novel. It additionally that explores how these characters are breaking from established gender roles through their active defiant and re-negotiation of gender roles, as viewed from a feminist theoretical perspective. Miss Havisham is an example of the complexities of social outlier- a woman who lives differently from everyone else and Estella in particular challenges traditional gender norms by refusing to pursue romantic relationships and by being, on the contrary, cold and unsentimental. Dominant personality of Mrs. Joe Gargery. The image of the ideal mother role is challenged by Molly, and female emancipation through education and intellectual interests is signified by Biddy. It brings attention to the ways in which these characters act and tell their story in ways that go against the grain of gender norms, thus exposing the limitations and inequalities of women in Dickens' world. It does this through feminist literary theory and a detailed analysis of the text. The researchers will look at how these subversions have enhanced knowledge of gender norms and dynamics in nineteenth century literature, and highlight the importance of feminist theories in literary works and interpretations.