In this research paper, I will closely analyse the character traits of the downtrodden protagonist, Jane Eyre, to ascertain how she reaches empowerment in adulthood after a childhood of abuse, trauma, grief and neglect in Victorian England. In particular, I will pay attention to Jane’s decision-making processes, as this is the key to understanding her journey to freedom and empowerment. As a female, Jane experiences gender-based abuse on a societal level, and as a destitute orphan, she experiences physical, emotional, and spiritual abuse on a personal level. With abuse being predominant in every stage of Jane’s life, she is tasked with the heavy burden of overcoming trauma if she is to make a success of her life and to live happily. Jane must make wise and informed, life-altering decisions to avoid lifelong suffering.
Resisting patriarchy in Africa: Desire and agency in ‘Woman at Point Zero’ and ‘Under the Udala Trees’
Woman at Point Zero by Nawal El Saadawi and Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta are two very different African novels, yet both bring attention to gender-based oppression and patriarchy in Africa. In both novels, there are several female characters who cope with patriarchy in different ways. Some women submit to the system, while others resist it. There are also women who manipulate the system to their advantage, while other women outrightly oppose it. In this essay, I will focus on an exploration of the main female protagonists, and how they resist the different types of patriarchy challenging them.
The rise of womanism in South African praise poetry: Dismantling past traditions of patriarchy
In this essay, I will pay particular attention to South African praise poetry to demonstrate that there is a slow shift away from patriarchy towards inclusivity. The genre of praise poetry has progressed from being predominantly male to include more female poets who have gained fame and respect across the African continent. I will begin with a discussion of the past, before addressing the current shift away from patriarchy.
Next
Wherever my spirit leads. #poem
The Aftershocks
The triggers all around, Bringing back the memory #poem
Melancholy
For this sadness in my soul, Has no other escape #poem
From Elation to Devastation
Waking up to find, You have lost all feeling #poem
Emptiness
Ghosting through the city, In a dark and crazy haze #poem
House of Cards
Down to nothing, Reconstructing. #poem
Shattered
Spirals of shaking, inwardly quaking #poem
When the mask comes off
Until the game changes, And he loses control #poem
“Winter”
Winter is where everything goes to die, But seasons change #poem
Inner Healing
Making whole this torn heart #poem
“Dream”
Lost in a moment, Trying to regain balance, In an upside-down world #poem