Power In H. G. Haggard's Novel

Among the numerous Femme Fatales of the Gothic Literature Era existed one of extraordinary power and mystery. Ayesha, known as “She,” was one of the greatest seductresses of the late Victorian Gothic period created by H.G. Haggard. With her unique beauty and charm she could put the world at her feet, but with total power comes consequence. She who must be obeyed was only as powerful as the blinding obsession she had for Kallikrates would allow her to be. Ultimately,a it is that obsession that leads her to her demise. Ayesha 's power and ruthlessness are reduced to nothing for a moment of weakness. Women with this sort of power can create chaos and destruction in man controlled societies therefore their power must be destroyed.
Throughout Haggard 's novel of She: A History of Adventure, the reader comes to know the story through Holly 's eyes. The development of the strange relationship between Holly and Ayesha takes hold of the narrative and gives the reader a glimpse into the world of She. With her power, Ayesha manages to control an …show more content…
In this civilization gender roles are switched and the women are the ones who have control over the men in society. This sort of behavior is what connects the woman 's power to civilizations savageness. In an article on the “new woman,” the author writes, “for the patriarchal male, whose power is under threat, all feminists must seem radical – heretics against the natural male order. Ayesha represents a threat to the natural order of society because she is an image of the “new woman.” In an essay on the new woman, the author writes, “for the patriarchal male, whose power is under threat, all feminists must seem radical – heretics against the natural male order.” (Bell) Ayesha was revolutionary in nature. Haggard 's novel does present her as powerful and beautiful but it leads the reader to realize that she is