Compare How Male Female Relationships in Two of the...

Suesann Sankar Individual Assignment: Critical Essay- Compare how male female relationships in two of the following Emma, Wuthering Heights and Great Expectations-- reflect the mores and values of Victorian society â€Å"The Victorian period formally begins in 1837 (the year Victoria became Queen) and ends in 1901 (the year of her death)† (Kirschen). British novels such as Wuthering Heights and Emma reflect and uphold mores and values of the Victorian society. This is portrayed through the characters in the novels where high priority is given to the male female relationships and the expectations of society. The time frame of both novels differs by thirty two (32) years which will reflect in the way both authors, Jane Austen and Emily†¦show more content†¦The women of higher class focused on her home, by keeping it in order and having a keen interest in her husband’s affairs. Another role emphasized by society to the male female relationship is the type of education one received. â€Å"The object in question was to establish the mental differences between men and women; to define them according to natural law; and thereby to decide social policy – particularly with regard to education – according to nature† (Rob Boddice). In Wuthering Heights, Mr. Earnshaw was advised that Hindely his son should be sent to college, which eventually took place. However, none of this was requested for Catherine his daughter who remained at home to learn the duties of a lady. In contrast to this in the novel Emma, Mrs. Goddard an ex-school mistress of a all girls school â€Å"where girls might be sent to be out of the way and scramble themselves into a little education without danger of coming back as prodigies† (Emma pg. 19). However, Jane Fairfax gets an excellent education but is still bound to her feminine duties just as Isabella in Wuthering Heights who is bounded to Healthcliff to fulfill all her duties as a wife despite the harsh treatment she receives. Therefore, according to the Victorian era males had the opportunities of not only a basic education but of advancing to college whereas the female had a basic tutoring since they were conformed to the private