The statement that Victorian women were subordinated and imprisoned by patriarchy can be critically examined through Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations” and Charlotte Brontë’s “Jane Eyre”. Both novels vividly depict the constraints and struggles faced by women in the patriarchal society of the Victorian era.

In “Great Expectations”, Dickens portrays several female characters who are marginalized and oppressed by societal norms. Estella, raised by Miss Havisham to break men’s hearts, is manipulated and deprived of autonomy. Miss Havisham herself, abandoned at the altar, leads a life of bitterness, showcasing how women’s lives could be derailed by men’s actions and societal expectations.

Charlotte Brontë’s “Jane Eyre” explores a woman’s struggle for independence in a patriarchal society. Jane Eyre confronts numerous challenges and oppressive forces, from her harsh treatment by her aunt to the conditions at Lowood School and her complex relationship with Mr. Rochester. Jane’s ultimate assertion of self-worth and refusal to become Mr. Rochester’s mistress demonstrate her resilience and quest for equality.

Both “Great Expectations” and “Jane Eyre” illustrate how Victorian women were subordinated and imprisoned by patriarchy, critiquing rigid gender roles and advocating for a more equitable society.