John Stuart Mill's The Subjection Of Women

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In his The Subjection of Women, John Stuart Mill argues that men of the Victorian era have enslaved the minds of women. In order to gain women’s sentiments, Mill argues, the “masters” of women provide for girls to be brought up in the belief that “womanly” character is the opposite to that of men. Consequently, many Victorian women lived as submissive, lesser-willed, queens of the domestic space. Author Elizabeth Gaskell, however, challenges the idea of women as “angels of the house” in Industrial Britain by means of her novel, North and South. In North and South, Gaskell provides a range of female characters. Some follow conventional female norms, and one, Margaret Hale, does her best to transgress them. Whether rejecting proposals or thrusting …show more content…
Captain Lennox’s little brother, Henry, fosters romantic intentions for Margaret that she knows not of. Margaret enjoys Henry’s company, but regards him as nothing more than a friend. As they wander the grounds beyond her house, Henry abruptly confesses his love for her. Not but seconds after he proposes marriage, Margaret tells Henry that she has “[never] thought of - you, but as a friend” and does not like the way he speaks to her (Gaskell 30). Here Margaret showcases her inclination to stand up for her beliefs, but also her little care for the feelings of others. Her rejection is blunt, almost painful. Her proud, outspoken, and even tactless nature comes out in full force- all uncommon traits in women at the time. Her rejection of Henry also symbolizes her dismissal of the idea of marrying for money, as her Aunt and cousin had done. Mrs. Shaw married for status as opposed to affection, resulting in an unhappy marriage (Gaskell 9). Captain Lennox, likewise, had his title, but not everything Edith found desirable in a man (Gaskell 9). If Margaret had accepted Henry’s proposal, she would marry lawyer, a nonetheless respected man, but not a man she loved. Margaret’s unfeminine personality and unwillingness to concede to marital norms allow her to reject Henry Lennox. In her repudiation, she reveals that not all women need marriage for
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