Gender and Power Dynamics in Charlotte Bronte’s Fictional Universe: An Analysis of Female Agency, Patriarchy, and Resistance

Abstract

Charlotte Bronte’s novels, including Jane Eyre, Shirley, and Villette, offer a profound exploration of gender and power dynamics in Victorian society. Through her strong, complex female protagonists, Bronte critiques the patriarchal structures that confined women to subordinate roles and limited their access to education, employment, and autonomy. This article examines Bronte’s portrayal of female agency, patriarchy, and resistance, analyzing how her heroines navigate and challenge societal norms. By focusing on themes such as education, economic independence, and marriage, the study highlights Bronte’s critique of the Victorian ideal of the “angel in the house” and her vision of female empowerment. The article also situates Bronte’s works within the broader socio-political context of the Victorian era, exploring their correlation with emerging feminist thought and the changing roles of women in society. Through a close analysis of Bronte’s characters and narrative structures, this research underscores the enduring relevance of her novels in contemporary discussions of gender and power dynamics.