Tragic Heroines in Nineteenth Century American Literature: The Emblematic Significance of Their Physical Appearance, Characteristic Circumstances and Death

Author

Michelle A. Deerwester, Western Michigan University

Date of Defense

4-18-1994

Department

English

First Advisor

Dr. Edward Jayne

Second Advisor

Dr. Allen Carey-Webb

Third Advisor

Dr. Daneen Wardrop

Abstract

Woman is and always shall be a major presence in literature. Regardless of canon, century, or genre, woman is ever-present and serves a vital purpose for any work as a whole. In nineteenth century American literature, the fictional woman possesses different characteristics at every turn: the savior, the mother, the lover, the angel, the demon, the passive, and even the aggressive heroine who is relatively tall in stature and has dark hair and eyes. Unable to fully conform to the "passive" norm expected of women, this particular female is reduced to abject circumstances before death finally claims her by the end of the novel.

Recommended Citation

Deerwester, Michelle A., "Tragic Heroines in Nineteenth Century American Literature: The Emblematic Significance of Their Physical Appearance, Characteristic Circumstances and Death" (1994). Honors Theses. 1762.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/1762

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Campus Only