It is interesting to read Ann Radcliffe's writing and learn about the female gothic era. In The Romance of the Forest, oppression of women is very evident in marriage. After learning about the Law of Coveture that was implemented during this day in age, it is clear through Radcliffe's novel, that women had no power in marriage.
The two characters that clearly portray this belief and image that women are dead in a marriage are Madame La Motte and Adeline. Madame La Motte is defined by her husband (even her name in the novel defines her as her husband's). She plays a big role in Adeline's life by being Adeline's friend, but other than that, she is submissive to whatever her husband does or says. This is a result of what marriage was based on at this time.
Adeline, an orphan, counteracts this submissive role of the wife. Because Adeline is not married, she seeks the adventure in the gothic novel. She is able to dodge men and seek adventure because she has not settled down with a man yet.
I feel like female gothic novels, specifically, The Romance in the Forest, reveals this fate for women to its readers and its audience. Sometimes it is hard to relate to this novel because of the change in times and it is so hard to understand that this is really how women were treated and accepted that men were in complete control of every situation in his own life and his wife's life.
I thought of my mom while I read your post. If she had read these historical texts about the struggle of women, she might be more inclined to take advantage of her right to vote. As it is, she doesn't, which is sad. That is one reason that it is good for 21st century women to do these readings--so that we don't forget who paid the price and paved the roads before us. Right?
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