46 Mary Beth Buccieri – Feminism and Animal Studies in Literature
Mary Elizabeth (Mary Beth) Buccieri is a senior majoring in English/English Literature. She grew up in a small town outside Waco, Texas. This paper is an eight-page version of a twelve-page paper she submitted for English Lit Survey I: 29571 in the Spring of 2023. Professor Alisa Clapp-Itnyre notes, “Mary Beth, I continue to love the fact that you focused on animals and women, and made connections throughout! The additional works you looked at and approaches you took in this revision really strengthens it!”
Feminism and Animal Studies in Literature
The interdisciplinary fields of feminism and animal studies in Medieval and Victorian literature have provided fresh insight into how gender, power, and the treatment of women and animals are portrayed in these historical periods. Many feminist scholars and activists argue that the domination of animals is connected to the dominance of women and other marginalized groups. They contend that oppressive attitudes and practices towards animals are often rooted in patriarchal beliefs and social structures that devalue and objectify non-human beings. Medieval and Victorian literature has contributed to animal rights through its depictions of animal cruelty and the emergence of animal welfare movements. Many novels during these times, such as Sir Gawain the Green Knight by an Anonymous writer and Anna Sewell’s Black Beauty, portrayed the suffering of animals and raised awareness about the need for animal protection, “A literary animal’s studies draws upon these means to make us aware of how humans and animals are involved and twisted together in the creation of meaning.” (Edwards, Page 2). This paper will address how these interdisciplinary studies are linked to Medieval and Victorian literature and how they contributed to the protection of animals by highlighting the oppression of gender, which in turn brought attention to animal cruelty.
In medieval times, the perception was that feminity and animals represented culture and religious beliefs. There were strict gender roles and expectations defined for women, as they were expected to be subservient to all men, both husbands or other male figures in society. In some social circles, women were seen as delicate and expected to remain modest and chaste. In rural areas, women and animals took on similar roles in the home by taking on domestic responsibilities, such as procreation, nurturing and helping to work in the fields to provide food for the family. However, the relationship between the two varies regarding social status, geographical location, and religious upbringing.
Animals were often depicted in medieval literature to symbolize various qualities, including feminity. Bestiary poems depict animals with allegorical explanations of their symbolic meaning. While doves are a representation of the Holy Spirit, rabbits are a symbol of feminine fertility, a stag for stamina, grace, regeneration, and spiritual enlightenment, and the lion depicts courage, justice and military might. In the context of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, we see the representation of women and how gender roles and expectations are depicted. Lady Bertilak, also known as the Lady of the Castle, is portrayed as an alluring and seductive figure who tempts Sir Gawain during his stay at her home. She is often seen as a symbol of female power and agency. She takes the initiative to pursue Gawain challenging traditional gender roles by making advances towards him. This portrayal of Lady Bertilak can be used to critique the societal expectations placed on women to be passive and submissive and an exploration of female sexuality and desire. Animals play a significant role, notably the Green Knight portrayed as a supernatural beings with animalistic qualities. He is described as having a green complexion, hair resembling foliage, and the ability to survive even after being beheaded, which are all attributes associated with the natural world, “Wonder at his hue men displayed,/set in his semblance seen;/he fared as a giant were made,/and over all deepest green” (146-149). The hunting scenes highlight the brutality and violence of the practice and depict animals as symbols of chivalry and heraldry. The deer and boar hunted for sport are innocent creatures, emphasizing the theme of exploitation and oppression. They reflect how animals are used as representations of power, prestige, and nobility in medieval culture and how their portrayal reflects social attitudes towards animals during that time. This epic poem raises questions on gender roles, sexuality and humanity’s relations with nature.
John Milton’s epic Paradise Lost is a complex poem known for exploring religious and philosophical ideas. It makes it easy to see how the two interdisciplinarities of feminism and animal studies are integrated. In Book 8, Milton portrays Eve is depicted as one of subordination. Raphael, the angel, cautions her to be submissive to Adam. He tells her, “thy inferior…/thy husband, but original decree/ Another Eve, another rib, affords” (Milton lines 619-620). It is suggested that according to the hierarchical structure established by God, she is meant to be subservient. Raphael also emphasizes that Eve needs guidance from Adam, stating that “God is they law, thou mine: to know no more/ Is woman’s happiest knowledge and her praise” (lines 633-634). While some may feel this is oppressive, others may see it as a reflection of the context in which it was written.
While Paradise Lost was written more about the fall of humanity rather than animal rights, Satan, however, is a serpent. His actions are associated with deceit and exploitation, which could be conceived as humans exploiting animals for their gain. Milton portrays the relationship between animals and humans by establishing a hierarchy and language, allowing us to understand the relationship between animals. In addition, it can be seen as an advocation for animal rights by demonstrating the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect. Book 8 suggests an ecological awareness of a balanced ecosystem and the interconnectedness of humans and animals. “O by what Name, for thou above all these,/Above mankind, or aught than mankind higher,/Surpassest farr my naming, how may I/Adore thee, Author of this Universe,” (Milton, 356-360).
Rape of the Lock, by Alexander Pope in the 18th Century, provides a satirized look at the aristocracy and their social customs and frivolity. Published in 1712, the story tells of Belinda, a young woman whose lock of hair is stolen by Lord Petre, a young nobleman, thus causing a social scandal. When looking at it from a feminist viewpoint, we see a representation of the patriarchal society, which objectifies women, reducing them to objects of beauty and adornment. She is fashionable and known in society for her physical attributes, including her hair. The moment her lock is taken, it is seen as a violation of her person, an example of how a constrained woman can be treated as a possession. Her lock is treated as if a prize by Lord Petre, something won in a hunt, forcing us to recognise that women are still seen as objects to be conquered. This flaunting of her lock of hair is an example of a society that still thrives on acts of oppression and exploitation of women. Her reaction when she discovers her lock of hair missing in Cantos II is noted in exaggerated language, thus depicting her as overly dramatic, forcing us to recognize that women are seen as emotional and lacking emotional intelligence.
Within the story, the reader encounters the human-animal relationship between Belinda and Shock, her beloved lap dog, which is more of an emotional support character but represents feminism and animal studies by the sheer behaviour and kindness to animals, a behaviour not demonstrated between the male and female characters. Overall, The Rape of the Lock, can be analyzed through both the feminist and animal lens, as it reveals the power dynamics of men over women and nature, in addition to the objectification of women, connecting the issues of gender, power and their interconnectedness of society and the natural world.
Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travel, Chapter 4, A Voyage to the Country of the Houyhnhnms, explores various themes related to feminism and animal studies. Gulliver has ventured to the world of the Houyhnhnms, an intelligent, rational race of horses who demonstrate superior quality to humans represented in their virtues and behaviours. Female horses are equal to their male counterparts regarding intelligence, capabilities, and societal roles. Gulliver does not witness any form of discrimination but instead sees a community with gender equality. There, he also finds a lack of gender-based violence, sexual harassment or discrimination. The absence of this reflects the differences between the two worlds and only highlights the flaws of human society, including their prejudices and behaviour. Gender equality contrasts his world, which includes the mistreatment of women. With this viewpoint, we see Gulliver as flawed and inferior when comparing him to the Houyhnhnms, as his behaviour is irrational, completely contrasting with the calm, rational and superior nature of the Houyhnhnms. His conduct is a toxic example of male chauvinism, aligning with feminist ideas and challenging harmful gender roles and expectations placed on men. Chapter 4 can raise questions on ethics, morality and inherent values in the treatment of women and animals.
Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens, is not intended to be a novel that includes the interdisciplinary of feminism and animal studies, but they can be found. In Chapter 15, Showing How Very Fond of Oliver Twist the Merry Old Jew and Miss Nancy Were, the reader is introduced to Nancy Sikes, a woman who is noted to be a victim of abuse and manipulation by male characters, including her lover, Bill Sikes and Fagin. Miss Nancy expresses affection for Oliver, showing him kindness and protection. However, she falls victim to abuse from Bill Sikes’ violent behaviour, showing how powerless women are to their male counterparts. Her abuse from a loved one is a testament to women’s mistreatment and oppression in the 19th Century. The strongest of the two themes falls within animal studies and the oppression the reader witnesses with Bill Sikes’s mistreatment of Bulls-Eye, the dog.
Readers witness Sike’s mistreatment of his pet in Chapter 16, Relates What Became of Oliver Twist After Nancy Had Claimed Him, he threatens and kicks him, using him to intimidate others. He is depicted as cruel, and the dog symbolises his brutality and lack of empathy. Dickens acknowledges the harsh reality of society using animal symbolism and the oppression of his female characters, shedding light on the challenges faced by both women and animals during the Victorian era.
Far From the Madding Crowd, written in 1874 by Thomas Hardy, is set in rural England and tells the story of Bathsheba Everdene and her three suitors. She is headstrong and independent, and while it is not explicitly a feminist novel, it has room for interpretation. She inherits her Uncle’s farm, which ultimately defies the traditional gender role of the times. She isn’t a passive victim; she is ambitious, determined, and challenging her societal position. Bathsheba challenges discrimination from the male characters who seek to control and dominate her; she refuses to succumb to their expectations and maintains her independence, challenging the patriarchal structures that limit women. Men in the novel use manipulation to control her. Hardy criticises the double standard of gender; Bathsheba faces criticism and judgement from her community, while the male characters often escape similar behaviour, highlighting the disparities that exist in the 19th Century and raising eyebrows about societal expectations based on gender.
Hardy brings to light the relationship between humans and animals, including their treatment and ethical considerations. While the novel represents animal oppression and cruelty, it also breaks down the connection, allowing the reader to be introduced to a relationship between the two that is compassionate and nurturing. Cruelty takes centre stage, however, as the reader is introduced to Old George, a dog owned by Farmer Boldwood. He is often left hungry and beaten, and his character represents an era that exploited animals, highlighting the realities of working animals during the time without considering their welfare. Fang, a faithful sheepdog owned by Sergeant Francios Troy, is killed and shot by his owner, demonstrating human cruelty. The novel touches on women’s struggles and limitations in the 19th Century and the complex relationships between humans and animals. It raises questions on gender roles and the ethical considerations related to animals.
Anne Sewell provides insight into feminism and animal studies in her novel Black Beauty, published in 1877. The two intersecting disciplines are social justice and equality, both challenging the exploitation of vulnerable beings and advocating for equal rights. Sewell uses her language to validate and encourage feminism using the language of animal rights. For example, like women, whose 19th-century attire forces them to be tightly bound in corsets and stays, Beauty is forced to wear ill-fitting harnesses. Ginger, a mare who becomes one of Beauty’s closest companions, is an example of how female horses were mistreated. She was abused and sold multiple times, and her struggles demonstrate the harsh realities of working horses in the 19th Century. Her breaking in could even be identified with “rape”, “when at last they closed me in at one corner of the field, one caught me by the forelock, another caught me by the nose… by force, they got on the halter and the bar into my mouth…” (25).
Animal autonomy depicts Beauty’s journey from a free-spirited colt to becoming a domesticated working horse with various owners—the struggle to maintain dignity even though hardships touches on social injustice and the rights of animals. Beauty is subjected to not only uncomfortable reins, harnesses and bits but is exposed to harsh working conditions and overworked; he is whipped, starved and neglected due to the ignorance and indifference of his owners. He is treated as mere property, without kindness or compassion. Sewell uses his plight to advocate for understanding and empathy, emphasizing humans’ importance and responsibility for the ethical treatment of animals. Women in the novel are compassionate to Beauty and other horses, as both are recognized to be subjected to the dominance of men and are forced to bear the weight of oppression.
Medieval and Victorian literature have contributed to animal rights through its depictions of animal cruelty and the emergence of animal welfare movements, in addition to noting its similarities to the oppression of women and other minorities. In her Colloquium at St. Hugh’s College at Oxford, Oindrila Ghosh presents the idea that it was only until scholars started to look at Victorian literature through a “literary sphere as a means of generating static influence over human attitudes towards animals the deliberations at this colloquium shall seek to prove that it may be regarded as a repository of resources open to uses in the ongoing animal welfare/rights movement of the later nineteenth century in Britain and as the stepping stones to deeper ecological consciousness of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.”
In conclusion, the intersection of women and animal oppression in literature highlights the interconnectedness of the two disciplines. Through these works spanning centuries, we can recognize how women and animals are often subjected to similar forms of oppression, including objectification, exploitation and violence. These narratives shed light on the need to challenge and dismantle oppressive systems that harm both. With the recognition of how gender and species intersect in literature, society can strive to create a more inclusive and compassionate culture that values the rights of all beings. Through literature, writers can continue to amplify the voices of the marginalized and work towards an equitable world for all.
Works Cited
Edwards, Karen L., et al. Reading Literary Animals: Medieval to Modern. Routledge, 2020.
Dickens, Charles, et al. Oliver Twist. Grahovac, 2017.
Hardy, Thomas. Far from the Madding Crowd. Oxford Univ. Press, 2008.
Pope, Alexander. The Rape of the Lock. C.E. Merrill, 1969.
Sewell, Anna. Black Beauty. Puffin, 1995.
“Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.” Author Anonymous (c.1390) – Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, www.poetryintranslation.com/PITBR/English/GawainAndTheGreenKnight.php#anchor_Toc178583488. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.
Swift, Jonathan. Gulliver’s Travels. Oxford University Press, 2019.