I totally agree with you about Jane Eyre. But the originator of the topic mentioned enjoying many Bronte books already. I assumed they'd already read it. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Seasider
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I totally agree with you about Jane Eyre. But the originator of the topic mentioned enjoying many Bronte books already. I assumed they'd already read it. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Seasider
It's hard to better the enigmatic Catherine I (nee Earnshaw) from Bronte's Wuthering Heights.
For inner strength, I'd choose the ever-so-subtle Maggie (nee Verver) from The Golden Bowl of Henry James.
Philomila and Procne
Rape my sister, will you?
http://cdn.paleothea.com/Pictures/Pr...melaRubens.jpg
I'm a little late to the party, but I think there's a pretty good list here already. Definitely agree with much of Woolf's canon, as well as Austen's and the Bronte's.
Don't know whether it's been mentioned, but also L.M. Montgomery's Anne series, especially the first. Moreover, her Emily series as well, often overshadowed by that loud redhead.
Cheers,
Alyson
Oooh, yeah, I'd forgotten about "that loud redhead" :lol: Great suggestion :yesnod: I'm not familiar with her Emily series. I'll have to read them someday.Quote:
Originally Posted by AlysonofBathe
Makepeace from Marcel Theroux's Far North is strong, psychologically, morally, and physically.
I definitely recommend them. Emily is a little less verbose - fewer long-winded speeches lasting pages and pages and pages, as Anne is apt to do - but she's equally as spirited.Quote:
Originally Posted by Shea
Good Canadian reading!
Tess from Tess of the D'Urbervilles
The main lady from the short story Fantomina or Love in a Maze
Antonia from My Antonia by Willa Cather
Jane Eyre
Nora Helmer from A Doll's House
Also to bring in an Eastern perspective, I would add:
Umrao Jaan from Umrao Jaan Ada: The Courtesan from Lucknow
Yeah, I love "that loud redhead". Nice pick. :yesnod: I'll explore the Emily series that you've mentioned.Quote:
Originally Posted by AlysonofBathe
I've always wondered why it is easier to find a strong female character in fantasy novels or crime-detective fiction rather than in realistic/classic narratives. Anyway, here are some who had not been mentioned earlier-
Grace Marks from Alias Grace by Atwood
Rebecca Sharp from Vanity Fair by Thackeray
Milady from The Three Musketeers by Alexander Dumas
As someone has mentioned bringing in Eastern perspective I'd mention-
Rosie from The Guide by R.K. Narayan
Fatima from Thoda Sa Asman by Umaira Ahmad (contemporary Urdu novelist)
Much agreed, she had overcome alot and became well.Quote:
Originally Posted by kelby_lake
I don't agree that Gloria was a strong character. She was very dependent and seemed as lost as her husband. She may have seemed stronger than him though, when compared!Quote:
Originally Posted by Buh4Bee
I agree with Jane Eyres's being mentioned. She was strong in her convictions, no matter the cost. And she was outspoken and determined for her day.Quote:
Originally Posted by Seasider
If by strong you mean tough (with some nastiness):
Hedda Gabler
Goneril in Lear
the wife, Laura, in Strinberg's "The Father."
the lady in Henry VI, III who wipes the face of her captive in his son's blood -- Margaret?
Miss Julie, Strinberg again, gets her will.
Not Hedda, but Mrs. Thea Elvsted (and without the nastiness)!Quote:
Originally Posted by byquist
Really?Quote:
Originally Posted by aliengirl
I Think Jane Eire
Arya Stark?
Pippi Longstocking? (even though it's a character from children literature!)
I love how Nicole, who seems to be doomed, manages to escape the trap of her mental illness.Quote:
Originally Posted by KCurtis
I advise you to try The She-Sevils by Barbey d'Aurevilly (a french author, not so popular), several short stories lying on worrying female characters. I read it two or three years ago, and was really enthusiastic then...