Feminism And The Civil Rights Movement

There were many characteristics and literary elements that defined literature in the early nineteenth century, one of the most prominent being that the world of literature was dominated solely by male writers. It was not until the end of the nineteenth century that women were able to leave their mark through writing during the fin de siècle era. Women contributing to the world of literature resulted in many social and cultural changes such as the disintegration of defined gender roles, the feminist movement, and the civil rights movement.
Around the same time of the fin de siècle movement, the feminist and civil rights movements had also begun. According to Parliament, the civil rights movement began in 1897 with the establishment of National …show more content…
Fin de siècle is a term that refers to the ideology of the “new woman” at the end of the nineteenth century. Women of the fin de siècle movement were breaking away from what was viewed as traditional and what was socially and culturally accepted. According to Elaine Showalter, women were drawn to the short story as it “offered flexibility and freedom from the traditional plots” (Showalter, p. 2-3, 1993). Furthermore, women in France and other parts of Europe were challenging the idea that women were not allowed or capable in fulfilling masculine roles, such as participating in the work force (Roberts, 2016). In addition, it challenged gender roles and the belief “that a woman’s primary role was to be a wife and mother” (Roberts, p. 2, …show more content…
D’Arcy’s short story ‘Irremediable’ begins with a young man, Willoughby, who is enjoying time off from work as he works almost every week of the year. He meets a young woman, Esther, and they instantly feel a connection. He learns that she is employed and he is shocked because women stereotypically stay at home. After a night of talking, they decided to meet up again for breakfast (D 'Arcy, 1893). They continue to see each other and their connection grows stronger, but Willoughby suddenly forfeits the relationship. Initially, Esther is devastated, but they work through it and decide to continue the relationship. He asks for her hand in marriage, she agrees, and they start to plan the wedding. They are happily married for a few months, but once again are met with mistrust and quarrels. Willoughby remembers his first love, Nora, and realizes that he is not in love with Esther, nor is she in love with