Feminism in "The Sun Also Rises". Lady Brett Ashley as New Woman

Seminar paper from the year 2022 in the subject American Studies - Literature, grade: 2,7, University of Constance, language: English, abstract: The paper will take into account the concept of feminism through Brett in "The Sun Also Rises" regarding her remarkable physical appearance, her power over the men and her affairs, as well as her focus on masculine traits. Moreover, it will demonstrate that Brett finds herself in masculine spheres, a crucial point that contributes to the image of the New Woman as well. At least, the paper gives a comparison to the other women in the novel, showing that especially the character of Brett stands for the concept of the modern woman to her time.

Until the 1920s, women were not as independent as they are today. Females had the status of the weaker sex since they were not as included as men in society. Women were mainly forced to stay in the house in order to be occupied with domestic matters. By the 1920s, women faced increasing autonomy not only economically, but also regarding sexual matters. With the increasing independence of females, it simultaneously arose the image of the New Woman. She appeared as a flapper with a short haircut and a noticeable choice in fashion.