Honors Theses
Date of Award
2003
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
English
First Advisor
Natalie Schroeder
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
The following work analyzes the usage Victorian conventions of the saint and Judith figures in Ouida’s female characters in her novels Held in Bondage, Strathmore, Friendship, and Moths. These eight characters are closely related to the stereot3(^ical representations of women in society during the time Ouida wrote; however, as Ouida became more experienced and acquainted with society, her usage of the conventions altered toward realistic rather than representative women. Of the saint figures, only one female, Vere of Moths, escapes from all stereotypes. The remaining three Alma of Held in Bondage, Lucille of Strathmore, and Etoile of Friendship definitive models of virtuous womanhood. They are innocent, naive, and virginal, qualities that cast them diametrically opposite the Judith figures. These destructive women are openly sexual are and possess authority over their bodies, desires, and male lovers, making them seem powerful in a way that undercuts their femininity. However, of the four saint’s rivals, two are not wholly evil and so cannot be Judiths. Friendship's Lady Joan and Moth s Jeanne de Sonnaz join Vere as Ouida’s characters who cast off repressive conventions and exhibit a trend in late Victorian fiction to move from stereotypes into reality.
Recommended Citation
Bryant, Hannah Lacey, "The Saint and Judith Female Conventions in Ouida's Held in Bondage, Strathmore, Friendship, and Moths" (2003). Honors Theses. 1959.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/1959
Accessibility Status
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