Question

The novel works at showing Anne's state of mind? The idea that women own themselves, and are not owned by others. Is Anne easily persuaded? Does she know her own mind/come into knowing her own mind? Shift from women playing the "damsel in distress" to governing their own identity (not so much about political self determination). Shift from wealthy to working class by Anne downgrading her class level to one lower than hers: using her own logic over society's influence.

Answer 1

The question relates to the evolution of women's roles in literature, from characters who are seen as property to those who actively define their own identities. Works by authors like Jane Austen, Virginia Woolf, and Kate Chopin illustrate this shift, with characters who resist societal norms and develop a sense of self-governance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The discussion of Anne's character in the given novel aligns with a broader examination of women's roles in literature and their journey towards self-identification and autonomy. This theme reflects a significant shift from the traditional portrayal of women as objects to be owned to characters possessing their own minds and making choices against societal expectations.

Through characters like Anne, authors explore the transition from being outwardly defined to self-governing, often addressing societal norms and the influence these may have on an individual's choices. Literature historically documents these shifts, highlighting women's increasing agency in their own narratives, as seen in works by Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë.

These themes have been keenly explored in various periods of literature, ranging from the irony-laced narration by Austen, capturing Catherine Morland’s character as the unexpected heroine in Northanger Abbey, to the depiction of Mrs. Bennet in Pride and Prejudice as a vehicle for scrutinizing societal views.

Similarly, the breakthroughs of women post-World War I into previously male-dominated spheres mark a notable change in the representation of females in literature. Furthermore, Virginia Woolf, with her modernist approach in texts like Mrs Dalloway and A Room of One's Own, deconstructed traditional narratives, compelling readers to see women's roles in new and varied lights.

Moreover, by highlighting characters that break free from repressive elements of their societies, such as Calixta in Kate Chopin’s works, literature presents a broader spectrum of women gaining autonomy. The transformation of such characters underscores progressive views of femininity that stray from stereotypical roles and showcases their journey towards self-determination.