Resistance to Patriarchal Ideology in Elizabeth Gaskell’s Cranford

Abstract

This thesis project analyses the prevailing patriarchal notion and female resistance in Elizabeth Gaskell‟s Cranford. The novel shows the situation of Victorian women, their economic problems, social status and how they go against such ideology by practising female bonding and maintaining their distance from the male counterparts. They are represented as bold, courageous and independent women in the society. Mary Smith and her old friend Matilda Jenkyns are the two women characters who symbolize the union of England with the old Victorian values. The research theorizes Victorian ideology which discusses upon social impact and gender issue in England. By taking theoretical insights on feminism proposed by Simone de Beauvoir, Sandra Gilbert and Susan Gubar, the research exposes hoe the females suffer heavily due to male domination and how female bonding help womankind fight against pervasive ideology of patriarchy.