Maggie is often read as Eliot's critique of the opportunities available to women in 19th century. ... Similarly, his reasons for choosing Bessy for a wife re-enforce this sexist prejudice. ... In Victorian ideology and iconography women were dichotomously defined as either angelic- pure, passive and ideally feminine- or they were demonic- subversive or defiant in some way of feminine ideals and "fallen" sexually. ...

• Word Count: 1369
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Maggie is often read as Eliot's critique of the opportunities available to women in 19th century. ... Similarly, his reasons for choosing Bessy for a wife re-enforce this sexist prejudice. ... In Victorian ideology and iconography women were dichotomously defined as either angelic- pure, passive and ideally feminine- or they were demonic- subversive or defiant in some way of feminine ideals and "fallen" sexually. ...

• Word Count: 1370
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Undergraduate