Stereotypical Women

The housewife, the virtuous woman, the hysterical woman, the nagging woman. There are many different stereotypes of women- especially in literature.

In 'Dracula', the 'New Woman' is often referred to. The 'New Woman' was a movement documented in the 19th century and is often linked with the suffragette movement of the 10th century. basically, the 'New Woman' was this crazy idea that women were allowed to think for themselves- mad isn't it. In Dracula, it becomes obvious that Mina is definitely not a 'New Woman' and is put about by the idea. "Some of the 'New Woman' writers will some day start an idea that men and women should be allowed to see each other asleep before proposing or accepting." - Mina pg.98 This quote could suggest a stab at the New Woman by Stoker himself, or it could be used to show that Mina is very traditionally virtuous.

Lucy, on the other hand, differs from Mina as she flirts with the men who are interested in her, and she goes outside with an undoubtable "something long and black, bending over her half-reclining white figure." She only goes out in her nightdress- something that at the time was a very intimate piece of clothing. She contrasts from Mina as Mina is worried that "Someone should notice my bare feet". Ludicrous really.

Nowadays, I do think that some women fit into stereotypes, but not all, and there are many types of stereotypes. For example, driving to school every morning, I get angry at the women who drive their children to their private school in their big 4x4 gas guzzler. I stereotype them as 'soccer moms' who don't work because of they have a rich husband, and their only job is to have kids, make sure the cleaner or housemaid does the bath just right and get their nails done. Oh and who double park and block the road. Just an example.