The Image of Women and Society in the Literature of Xix Century

Abstract

Throughout centuries, literature has been regarded as entertainment for readers. Reading a literary work allows readers to identify themselves with some elements of the written work, experience a variety of emotions within the text, enrich their knowledge and enhance critical thinking. Furthermore, literature and history have always been closely interrelated since writers have repeatedly reflected the cultural and ideological movements prevailing at a specific time in history in their works. Literature, as a reflection of real life, evolves at the same time as society. American literature is no exception. Until the mid-nineteenth century, romanticism dominated the literary scene characterized by its focus on imagination, idealism, and subjectivity over the objective.