Sense and Sensibilityに関する一考察 : 女性たちの選択

概要

論文の詳細を見る
I describe in this paper the human nature and social thinking about money and marriage of women who lived in the upper middle classes from the late 18th century to the early 19th century. In the first part of my work, I compare Elinor, a woman who thinks human nature important, with Lucy, a woman who takes money seriously, in their thinking about the man they both want to marry, Edward. And I write about the differences between them. In the second part, I describe a problem over the difference in their monetary status. Moreover, I comment on the behaviours both of Elinor and Lucy when Edward loses his fortune. Finally, I mention their right to property and their duties to the gentlemen in the upper middle classes. And they are also influenced by money or their intended marriage partner's fortune. In conclusion, I should note that women's choices at that time were only marriage or to become a governess. In this age women could not have active participation in society, because of the concept that it was shameful for women in the upper classes to work. Therefore, they needed to find a marriage partner with a fortune to make themselves secure. At first sight, Lucy's behaviour seems to be rough and cruel but I think no one can blame her for her attitude. Lucy's acting was satirized by Jane Austen, however, I think the author realized that this is the realitv for women who have little choice over their future life.
甲南女子大学の論文
2003-03-18