In the diverse array of human history, women have often been portrayed as secondary characters, limited to the margins of narratives written predominantly by male authors. However, within the realm of literature, there exists women who rise above the limitations of society and come out as unique agents of change. From the resilient Jane Eyre to the ambitious Tambudzai, from the invulnerable Elizabeth Bennet to the independent Efuru, these female protagonists (only to mention a few) have stood as empowering figures, challenging the status quo and reconstructing the society that was sketched by men. This article dives into the transformative potentials of some female characters, throwing light on their societal progress and their inspiring journey.
Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel, Jane Eyre is a testament of the power of literature when it comes to women empowerment. At the heart of the novel lies Jane Eyre, the protagonist, whose journey resonates with readers across many generations. From humble beginnings, Jane, an orphaned child, defies odds stacked against her despite facing abuse and discrimination at the hands of her peers and guardians. She is punished unjustly for perceived wrong doings, such as when she is locked in the “red-room” as a form of punishment for defending herself against her cousin’s bullying. Also, despite her intelligence and talents, she is denied various opportunities for education and advancement due to her lowly position as a governess. On the issue of love, Jane experiences betrayal and heartbreak when she discovers Mr. Rochester’s dark secret regarding his first wife, Bertha Mason. But she chooses to leave to preserve her integrity and self-worth. Throughout all her trials and tribulations, Jane undergoes a profound journey of self-discovery and personal growth. She emerges as a resilient and determined heroine who refuses to be defined by her circumstances. “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.”- Jane, Jane Eyre.
Another profound character is Tambudzai, the protagonist from Tsitsi Dangarembga’s novel, Nervous Conditions. Tambu is a complex, yet compelling character whose journey portrays an exploration of gender, patriarchy and identity in colonial Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. Tambu’s story spins around her desire for education and self-improvement. In the patriarchal society she lives in, where the male gender is favored in all things, these dreams of hers seems next to impossible. She is faced with traditional gender roles and expectations throughout the novel. She tends to question the unjust and unequal treatment meted out to girls and women in her community particularly in terms of education and female advancement. She is marked by acts of rebellion and resilience as she stands up for herself and challenges the status quo. Whether it is defying her family’s expectations or confronting her peers on certain biases or advocating for her own rights, Tambu refuses to be silenced in any way. At the end of the day, she finds inspiration in the stories of other women who have defied social expectations too and this fuels her own aspirations. She becomes a powerful symbol of strength in the face of great adversities that threaten to pull her down. “I was not sorry when I left the homestead to go away to school, and I did not look back. I was excited, exhilarated. I was going to learn and nothing and nobody was going to stop me”- Tambudzai, Nervous Conditions.
Elizabeth Bennet, the protagonist of Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice, is portrayed as an independent, intelligent and witty young woman. Her refusal to conform to the societal expectations of her time, especially in matters concerning marriage was seen as somewhat unconventional. Instead of prioritizing issues that mattered to young women her age like wealth and social status, she held in high esteem things like intelligence, integrity and compatibility when it comes to a partner. Her unwillingness to do what was expected of her at the risk of her principles was viewed as rebellious. It truly is admirable how she navigates her complex relationship Mr. Darcy. Their various prejudices and misunderstandings of each other in the beginning of the novel weaves an interesting and gripping plot in the novel that readers find hard to put down. Elizabeth Bennet can be seen as the one of the female protagonists whose character was meant to issue change when it comes to the societal expectations of women in both her generation and many more generations to come. She is an agent of change within the world of Pride and Prejudice where she challenges some conventions, inspiring her peers and in the end, contributing to a positive change within her social circle. “I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me”- Elizabeth Bennet, Pride and Prejudice.
The last character but definitely not the least is another young woman who also defies societal expectations, Efuru, from the novel “Efuru” by Flora Nwapa. This novel is often considered as the first ever novel to be published by a Nigerian woman in English. The story revolves around a young Igbo woman and her journey through life. Just like the characters discussed above, Efuru is depicted as a strong and independent woman who challenges societal expectations and traditional gender roles. She is seen as resourceful, intelligent and determined whenever she sets her mind to do something. In a world where women roles were circumscribed by cultural norms and patriarchal structures, Efuru navigates her way through them to find happiness and fulfillment. Efuru experiences unequal amounts of joy and sorrow in the search for meaning and love in her life. Struggling with infertility for many years, she loses her newborn child within days of being born and even though she goes ahead to bear several children throughout the story, this loss is very significant to her. As a result of her infertility, she faces stigmatization and ostracism from society who believes a woman’s primary role is to bear children. She also faces neglect and unfaithfulness from her first husband, Adizua and struggles with economic hardships when she loses her second husband, leaving her solely responsible for herself and her children. In the end, she finds a sense of peace and contentment. All in all, Efuru’s actions, resilience and choices goes a long way to advocate autonomy and equality for women. “I am Efuru. I am not an ordinary woman. I am not like my mother. I am Efuru. I am like myself.”- Efuru, Efuru.
In a world where narratives of change are often commanded by male protagonists, it is important that we recognize and celebrate the powerful female characters who serve as instruments of change. Through their actions, they challenge the social norms, square up to oppression and fight for positive change in their lives and the lives of others around them. Their stories remind us of the importance of raising our voices to effect change we desperately need around us, change within ourselves and our communities at large. As we continue to navigate through the intricate paths of life, let us find inspiration and motivation from these literary women of courage and attempt to imitate their strength and steady resolve when faced with difficulties. For in these fictional women, we find hope and ways of us becoming individual agents of change.
