The Subversion of Traditional Gender Roles in Thomas Hardy’s 'The Mayor of Casterbridge'

Authors

Emma S. Shaw, Gettysburg CollegeFollow

Class Year

2016

Document Type

Student Research Paper

Date of Creation

Spring 2016

Department 1

English

Abstract

This essay examines Thomas Hardy's understanding and subversion of gender roles in The Mayor of Casterbridge by focusing on the novel's two most prominent characters and their respective progressions over the course of the narrative. Michael Henchard’s hypermasculine behavior and eventual undoing is juxtaposed with Elizabeth-Jane’s active rejection of the male gaze, as well as her unique role as a proxy for the reader. In his 1886 novel, Hardy questions the legitimacy of gender expectations by acknowledging and subsequently undermining patriarchal traditions.

Comments

English Senior Honors Thesis

Copyright Note

This is the author's version of the work. This publication appears in Gettysburg College's institutional repository by permission of the copyright owner for personal use, not for redistribution.

Recommended Citation

Shaw, Emma S., "The Subversion of Traditional Gender Roles in Thomas Hardy’s 'The Mayor of Casterbridge'" (2016). Student Publications. 449.
https://cupola.gettysburg.edu/student_scholarship/449