Question

Choose two of the following works and compare/contrast the ways they portray and/or critique social roles (gender, class, race, etc.—choose one specific aspect to focus on).

a) Macbeth and Othello
b) Frankenstein and Dracula
c) Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre
d) The Great Gatsby and The Catcher in the Rye

Answer 1

Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre by the Bronte sisters both critique social roles, particularly in relation to gender, but with different outcomes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The chosen option from the given question is c) Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre. Both novels, written by the Bronte sisters, portray and critique social roles, particularly in relation to gender.

In Wuthering Heights, the character of Catherine Earnshaw challenges traditional gender roles by rejecting societal expectations and following her own desires, ultimately leading to tragic consequences. On the other hand, Jane Eyre, the protagonist of Jane Eyre, defies societal expectations by asserting her independence and value as a woman, rejecting the limitations imposed on her by gender.

Both novels explore the complexities of female characters and their struggles within a patriarchal society, highlighting the limited roles and expectations placed on women. However, while Wuthering Heights showcases the destructive nature of defying social norms, Jane Eyre offers a more empowering portrayal of a woman finding her own path.