THE IDEA OF FEMINISM AS SEEN IN THE MAJOR
CHARACTERS IN MARK RUTHERFORD’S
CLARA HOPGOOD
AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra
in English Letters
By
INTAN NATALIA KUSUMAWATI
Student Number : 014214015
ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAMME DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS
FACULTY OF LETTERS SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSTY
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I am able to do all
things through Christ
who gives me strength.
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This undergraduate thesis is dedicated to
My Beloved Father and Mother
My Sisters and Brothers
My Nephews, Nieces and Cousins
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Firstly, I would like to thank Jesus Christ for His blessing. Because of His blessing and mercy, I could finish this thesis. His love and guidance give me strength to cope with the hard days of my life.
Secondly, I would like to thank my beloved father, Agus Indarto and my mother, Sugiyarti, for their love. They raised me with love and tenderness. I would like to thank my parents for so many great advices and all the motivations to do my best. He is the best father in the world. I love him so much with all my heart. Mom, thank you so much for all her love and patience until now. She never gives up in supporting me and she always believes that I can do this. She is the best mother in the world. Love her so much.
Thirdly, I would like to thank my sisters and brothers. Cie Indah, Cie Indri, Cie Indira, Saras, Mas Ferry, Koh Luk, Koh Heri, Dedy. My deepest gratitude is for their love me and support in every condition. Thank you to my nephews and nieces, Tania, Meme, Jeffrey, Aldo, Alvin, Jeannet, and Ivo. They give me motivation even in my hard days. I would like to thank my best cousins, Rieska and Ina for giving me attention and support. Love you, sis.
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gratitude is also for all lecturers of English Letters in Sanata Dharma for helping and teaching me many things.
I would like to thank my ‘Bebeh’, Beni Alson for his caring, support, love, and many wonderful things that help me become a better person until I am able to finish my study and my thesis.
Last but not least, I would like give thank all my classmates of Sastra’01, especially Alisa and Eillen for supporting me in finishing my thesis. Huge thanks are also for my friends Bunda Dhian, Mbak Rika, Cie Nini, Cie Yanti, Cie Mimi, Shinta, Mbak Lupi, Evelyn, Renia, Endra, Bima, Nova, Ian, Sinda, Dita, Ayu, Olin, Risa, Sandi, Rendy, Aryo, Obed and for those whom I cannot mention one by one, for their friendship and the time that we shared.
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1. Theories on Character and Characterization……… 8
2. Theories on Feminism ……… 11
C. Theoretical Framework ………... 14
CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY ……….. 16
B. The Ideas of Feminism reflected through the Major Characters. 38 1. Equality ……….. 39
2. Freedom ………. 42
3. Independence ………. 48
CHAPTER V: CONCLUSION ………. 52
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ABSTRACT
INTAN NATALIA KUSUMAWATI (2009). The Idea of Feminism as Seen in the Major Characters in Mark Rutherford’s Clara Hopgood, Yogyakarta: Department of English Letters, Faculty of Letters, Sanata Dharma University.
This thesis is a of Mark Rutherford's Clara Hopgood about the ideas of feminism. Mainly this study is aimed to reveal the ideas of feminism through the two female major characters, Clara and Madge Hopgood that he creates. Both of them are described as two well-educated sisters, a rare phenomenon in their society that is described as patriarchal and uneducated one.
There are two objectives in conducting this research. First objective is to reveal the description of the two major characters in the novel. Second is to find the ideas of feminism which are reflected through the two major characters in the novel.
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ABSTRAK
INTAN NATALIA KUSUMAWATI (2009). The Idea of Feminism as Seen in the Major Characters in Mark Rutherford’s Clara Hopgood, Yogyakarta: Department of English Letters, Faculty of Letters, Sanata Dharma University.
Skripsi ini adalah studi tentang karya Mark Rutherford yang berjudul Clara Hopgood tentang ide – ide feminisme. Secara garis besar, skripsi ini bertujuan untuk mengungkap ide- ide feminisme melalui dua tokoh utama perempuan dalam novel tersebut, Clara dan Madge Hopgood yang diciptakan oleh Ruterford. Keduanya digambarkan sebagai dua saudari yang mengenyam pendidikan tinggi, sebuah fenomena yang jarang ditemukan dalam masyarakat mereka yang digambarkan sebagai masyarakat patriarki dan tidak berpendidikan.
Ada dua tujuan dalam menulis skripsi ini. Yang pertama adalah untuk mengungkap gambaran dari kedua tokoh utama di dalam novel tersebut. Yang kedua adalah menemukan ide – ide feminisme yang tersirat melalui kedua tokoh utama di dalam novel tersebut.
Skripsi ini merupakan penelitian pustaka dimana penulis memperoleh semua data dan sumber – sumber pendukung dari perpustakaan dan internet. Pendekatan feminisme digunakan sebagai pendekatan utama dari analisa ini. Penulis memilih pendekatan tersebut karena pendekatan tersebut dapat digunakan untuk menganalisa tokoh utama dalam karya Rutherford yang mengungkapkan ide – ide feminisme dalam masyarakat patriarki.
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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background of the Study
Gender discrimination is interesting to discuss since there are gender inequalities in the world. The Dictionary of Feminist Theory defines gender as culturally shaped group of attributes and behaviors given to the female and male (Humm, 1990: 84). There is a strong relationship between gender differences and gender inequalities that leads to discrimination toward women.
The condition of the domination of men in all aspects of life in society put women in a place where there is a limitation in everything they want to do. They cannot have their rights and also the freedom to express their ideas and thoughts as men do. This condition creates the stereotypes of women in society. The society sees women with certain stereotypes such as women must stay at home to bear children, take care of their husbands and do all the households jobs. These kinds of stereotypes that are constructed by the society make the gender discrimination stronger.
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The traditionalist notes that historically, women have always had less power, less influence, and fewer resources than men have, and assume that this most accord with some natural order (Freeman, 1984: xiii).
The traditionalists think that women are created weaker than men in all aspects of life and their being weak is innate. On the other hand, feminists believe that women are not born weak, passive, and dependent. It is social condition that makes it happen. Most people, especially who live in the patriarchal society, think that women are nothing compared to men and because of that, women are controlled and dominated by men.
Talking about feminist, England is one of the pioneers of the feminist movement because the English female writers had started a new idea that put women as the centre of their works. After that, male writers follow the action but their number is not as many as the female writers. One of the examples of male writers who are interested in women's issue is Mark Rutherford. He is a writer who are enlightens the provincialism of modernity. Rutherford thinks that women's issue is as interesting as men's and he proves it on his works.
Mark Rutherford's work, Clara Hopgood, has women as the main characters and as the topic. This novel was written in 1880 and first published in 1896. It talks about two sisters who try to survive their lives by using their own strength and their abilities as women. Not only talking about these two characters, the author also describes the condition in England in 1844 when the story began that influences the condition of women at that time.
pressure and the religious movements become great influence to the society and to the characters in the novel. In the patriarchal society at that time, it is hard for women to express their thoughts as men do and it keeps women's position under men.
In feminine phase that was around 1840 to 1880, a time when the consumers of literary works saw developed patterns and phase in the evolution of a female tradition, the existence of women had been significantly proven. Female writers give their opinion in the form of writing to show their strength and equality to male writers. It was not only female writers, however, who care about women's issue, but also male writers. These male writers expressed their amazement in different ways, for example by taking female characters in their works. Women were isolated; therefore the society could not grasp the connection with them. Displaying the female characters in the works of art was one of the attempts to reveal the truth about women that they were basically oppressed people. The readers, both male and female, could feel what women are facing in their life (Rice and Waugh, 1989: 106-107).
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The writer is interested in this novel because of the existence of the two major characters that have strength and are brave to struggle in the patriarchal society and prove that they can do what men do. This novel reflects the way of life and the way of thinking of middle class society in England around 1844 in the novel itself. The economic pressure and religious movements became the great influence to the characters in the novel. The writer is interested in the two major characters' bravery in struggling against old thought that positioned men as the central power.
B. Problem Formulation
1. What are the characteristics of the two major characters, Clara and Madge Hopgood in the novel?
2. What are the ideas of feminism that are reflected in the major characters as the result of their struggle against discrimination?
C. Objectives of the Study
Secondly, the objective of this research is to find out the idea of feminism that reflected in the two major characters. The idea of feminism came out as the result of the struggle of the major characters in struggling against the society.
D. Definition of Terms
In order to avoid misunderstanding in this thesis, there are some terms that need to be explained. Therefore, the writer gives some definitions follow:
1. Character
Michael Simms in his book The Longman Dictionary of Poetic Terms defines character as "a person in a piece of literature whose identity is composed of easily recognizable moral, intellectual, and ethical qualities" (1989: 44).
2. Feminism
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CHAPTER II
THEORETICAL REVIEW
A. Review of Related Studies
Clara Hopgood is Mark Rutherford's last novel. His real name is William Hale White. He had made six novels in his entire life and all of them can encourage the readers who have the same thoughts with him and who believe that hope is not only hope but it can become true. His works affect the reader to believe what is inside the works.
For Hale White, however necessary "destructive analysis" might often be the chief business of the human and mind was to ass to what we can believe, what we can affirm, what gives us courage and confidence and hopes (Stock, 1956: 1).
Dr. Stock in The Challenge of Mark Rutherford adds that Mark Rutherford in an amazing writer since he never gives any judgment to his characters he made. The judgment is left on the readers because Rutherford is more concerned in recognizing and understanding human need than making political statement. Dr. Stock shows his excitement by saying, "The exquisite qualities of Hale White's style are the very ones I would like to have" (1956:1). This quotation implies that it is difficult for an author to be an objective author who never gives any judgment, even to the characters he made. In other words, Dr. Stock wants to say that Rutherford has exquisite style that is rarely possessed by other authors.
The society only needs the author's idea that is poured into his works to judge whether a writer is qualified or not (1923: 118).
Lorraine Davies in The Introduction to Clara Hopgood says that this novel is the most explicitly intellectual of five preceding novels. She adds that the unique aspects of Clara Hopgood are in the expression of dilemmas, although the story is slight. Rutherford gives all of his ability in his last work, Clara Hopgood. Like in his other works, Rutherford puts the interplay of ideas and character more than the story itself. He concerns more on the characters as the doers in the story that can be the agents of change and be the bridge of ideas between him and the readers (1996: xxx-xxxi).
Catherine R. Harland gives her comment, "Mark Rutherford is a much-underrated British author- his sensitive portrayal of women in a time of change the Victorian era- is very moving (1988: 159). In other words, Rutherford always creates a new modern idea through his works. A new idea that Rutherford threw at that time is still relevant today for it s still worth discussing. In general, they refuse it because something new might be contradictory with they had trusted and believed. Rutherford, however, tries to put his new idea about modernity to the readers' mind with his ability.
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criticism, the writer will try to conduct this research since the writer agrees with them.
The writer is going to explore the idea of feminism in Rutherford's Clara Hopgood. Rutherford who is known as a modern thinker is interested in women's issue by creating female characters as the focus in this novel. The writer will reveal the idea of feminism that is created by the major characters in this novel.
In this research, the writer focuses on the characteristics of the two major characters in the novel. Those two major characters, Clara and Madge Hopgood, through their characteristics, reflect the ideas of feminism. The ideas of feminism are the result of their struggle against the patriarchal society. That is the reason that makes this research different from the other researches.
B. Review of Related Theories
This research deals with the idea of feminism that is reflected through the characters of the story. Therefore, the writer needs some theories to help in conducting this research. The writer uses the theories on characters, theories on characterization and also theories of feminism to answer the problems formulated above.
1. Theories on Characters and Characterization
Abrams in his A Glossary of Literary Terms defined character as the person presented in a dramatic or narrative work. In addition, the readers interpret characters as being endowed with a moral and dispositional quality that are expressed in what they say - the dialogue- and by what they do - the action. Based on the importance, the characters are mainly divided into two. Those are main or major characters and minor characters. Major characters are usually the center of the story. Usually the acts of the story are focused on these characters from the beginning to the ending parts. The core of the story is highlighted through these characters' experience. Minor characters appear in a certain setting, just necessarily to become the background for the major characters. Their roles in a story are just to support to development of major characters (1981: 20).
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considered dynamic in which they demonstrate their capacities to change or to grow (1974: 46-54).
Characters in a story are different from one another because they have certain personalities and 'physical attributes' that distinguish them. There are many ways in characterizing the character in the novel. In Understanding Unseen, M.J. Murphy classified the way an author reveals the character's personalities and trait to the readers (1972: 161-173), they are:
a. Personal description
It is the author's description of a person's appearances and clothes. The author describes the character in details.
b. Character as seen by another
Besides describing a character directly, the author can be describes his or her character through other's perspective and opinion. Through this, the readers may get a reflected image.
c. Speech
The author gives us a description of character through what the person says. It means that what the character says in his speech can give the readers clue to know about the character.
d. Past Life
e. Conversation of others
Through other people's conversation and the things that they say about someone, the readers can get some clues about someone's characteristics. f. Reactions
Someone's character can also be observed by knowing how he or she reacts to various situations and events or problems that are presented by the author.
g. Direct comment
The author gives his own comment to the character he creates and it will give a clue to the readers about the characteristics.
h. Thoughts
The author takes the readers to the character's thoughts and feeling, so the readers can subjectively understand the character's personalities and position in the story.
i. Mannerism
The readers able to know someone's characteristics by observing his or her mannerism and habits presented by the author in the story (1972: 161-173). The writer is going to use almost all the nine ways to reveal the characteristics and actions of the main characters in the novel.
2. Theories of Feminism
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every aspect of life. Men oppress women from time to time. Women are not given chance to develop their potentialities in spheres. Men's domination over women will be much more obvious when women enter marriage's life. As wives, they have lost their freedoms. In the family, women have to run the household and nurse both the children and their husbands. Wives should obey what their husbands say to them.
Ashley Montagu mentions that women have been conditioned to believe that they are inferior to men, and it seems that people's thought and belief about this condition is acceptable and naturally true (1997: 23). This condition is known as a gender issue. This issue is about social discrimination in the way society sees human based on the sexes.
So far, many different societies create such a frame to what women and men should be alike. They differentiate the treatment towards both sexes, too. Men gain more privileges in society and let women to be "less valuable". Andersen stresses on the importance of holding a social change to have women as "more valuable" as men. People can start to learn that the imbalance relationship of women and men cause the oppression upon women, since women are in the subordinate position to men. In short, feminism proposes society the blend of the new way of thinking and the new way of acting in the relationship of women and men for a better life.
politically, socially, psychologically, personally, and aesthetically (Holman & Harmon, 1986: 201).
In The Dictionary of Feminist Theory, Humm (1990: 74) states that in general feminism in the ideology of women's liberation since intrinsic in all its approaches is the belief that women suffer injustice because of their sex. It implies that women feel the injustice in their life because they were born as women.
Basing on the sex categories as females, women face such a great wall which unable them to walk on freely. Gender stereotype in many cultures mostly champions men in any aspect of life. Regarding the biological characteristics that women have, many societies count women to be weak. This opinion brings out the assumptions that women are the second form of human nature, the second class in the society, and thus to be less valuable than men. Here, feminism seems to gain an opportunity to facilitate women to get same position as men in society and other aspects within.
Feminism is sometimes confined to women's struggles against oppressive gender relationships. In practice, however, women's actions, both now and in the past, often have been against interconnecting relations of inequality and have involved many aspects of resistance around daily life and culture that are not simply about gender (Rowbotham, 1992: 6). So, feminism here is not only to signify the oppression upon women in relation to men because of the gender but also any other inequality things in society that cause oppression upon women.
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men's position in society are the result of social, not natural factors. The meaning of feminism has been developed and understood in different ways, but it begins with the idea that social institutions and social attitudes are the basis of women's position in society. Furthermore, feminism takes women's interests and perspectives as being not inferior to those of men, believing that where women are treated as inferior citizens, than liberating social changes on their behalf can and should be made. Thus, feminism is both a way of thinking and a way of acting, and the union of action and thought is central to feminist programs for social change (1983: 9).
So far, many different societies create such a frame to what women and men should be alike. They differentiate the treatment towards both sexes, too. Men gain more privileges in society and let women to be "less valuable". Andersen stresses on the importance of holding a social change to have women as "more valuable" as men. People can start to learn that the imbalance relationship of women and men cause the oppressions upon women, since women are in the subordinate position to men. In short, feminism proposes society the blend of the new way of thinking and the new way of acting in the relationship of women and men for a better life.
C. Theoretical Framework
the story. The theories of characterization from M.J. Murphy will be used to reveal the characteristics of the major characters in the story. The writer will use almost all the theories because this research deals with the characters and their characteristics.
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CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
A. Object of the Study
The object study in this research is Clara Hopgood. The novel is written by Mark Rutherford (William Hale White) and published by Everyman Paperback in 1996. Mark Rutherford had written six novels in his entire life and this novel is the last one.
Clara Hopgood consists of 29 chapters and there are 136 pages altogether. It has an introduction from Lorraine Davies, a lecturer in English Literature at Liverpool Hope University College.
This study will focus on the two major characters in the story, Clara and Madge Hopgood. They are not ordinary women because they are educated sisters. Educated women in their society at that time are rarely happened because the society thinks that the one who should be educated is men.
In the first eight chapters, Rutherford describes the society where the two major characters live. He also describes their way of life: they get the education and great relationship with their parents that are unusual for the society. In this part, Rutherford introduces the readers that Mr. Hopgood died and they must life with their mother, Mrs. Hopgood by themselves.
underestimate them. Their problems are about their survival in the society.
The last two chapters are about the ending of the story. It tells about their capabilities in solving their problems and how they are able to prove the society that they can survive in their life. Rutherford lets the readers conclude and give their judgments on the characters and their idea.
B. Approach
In analyzing this thesis, the writer used feminism approach. It is the most appropriate one since the writer wants to focus on the ideas of feminism reflected through the characteristics of the major characters. Women in a patriarchal society do not have the same rights like men do.
Feminism is an approach which concern on women and their position, as Wilfred Guerin in A Handbook of Critical Approach to Literature stated:
Unlike the other approach, feminist literary criticism is often a practical attack upon other modes of criticism and theory, and its social orientation moves beyond traditional literary criticism. In its diversity feminism is concerned with the marginalization of all women; that is with their being relegated to a secondary position (1999: 196).
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In Thinking about Women: Sociological Perspective on Sex and Gender, Andersen says, “the goal of feminism is equality – the construction of a social world where all people can exercise individual freedom” (1997: 323).
The feminism approach guides the study to find that literature can be functional as determines gender, some feminists stress gender differences, others believe that entire concept of female difference is what has caused female oppression (Guerin, 1999: 200). Through the application of this feminist approach, it can be analyzed the major characters in Rutherford’s novel reflect the ideas of feminism in the patriarchal society.
C. Method of the Study
In conducting this research, the writer used a library research method. The writer collects many data to have the research understandable. The writer divides them into two categories; primary data and secondary data.
The primary data is the novel itself, Clara Hopgood. Some theories on character and characterization and theories of feminism were compiled from some books as well as from the internet.
society. Here, the writer found out and understood the way of live and the way of thinking of the two major characters which differentiate them from the other members of the society.
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CHAPTER IV
ANALYSIS
A. The Characteristics of Clara and Madge Hopgood
The major characters in the story are Clara Hopgood and Madge Hopgood. They are both educated women. The story is about them because they dominate the whole story. These major characters live in a patriarchal society and they take the readers there by understanding their characteristics that are reflected through their dialogues, their reactions, and their interactions with others. Growing up together as sisters, Clara and Madge share similar characteristics, but as two different individuals, they have their own characteristics.
1. Attractive
Rutherford describes Clara and Madge as two beautiful women. They are both physically and mentally beautiful.
Her (Clara) features were tolerably regular. It is true they were somewhat marred by uneven nasal outline, but it was redeemed by curved lips of a mouth which was small and rather compressed, and by definite, symmetrical and graceful figure (p.3-4).
"Madam, you will pardon me, but if were you, I would not. I think something much cheaper will suit you better. If you will allow me, I will look out for you and will report in few days" (p.76).
From the language Clara uses, it can be seen that she is a polite woman. She respects every person she knows. And she will give any kind of help as long as she is able to do it. The quotation above also reflects her inner beauty by showing how smart she is. The lady who is searching for book needs suggestion and Clara is able to give a suggestion to her. Clara knows the best for the lady, and with self-confidence and her smartness, she tells the lady to postpone buying books because Clara knows that in few days there will be a cheaper book the lady is searching for.
Similar to Clara, Madge is also described as an attractive woman. "The men in the audience were vociferous for something more, and would not be contented until she again came forward" (p.33). The men are waiting for Madge who becomes the actress in the performance that night. There are several reasons why the men are waiting for Madge. The first one is Madge is a beautiful woman and they want to see her again. The second one is because Madge can perform well. The two reasons prove that Madge is not only has the physical beauty but also the inner beauty, she is able play well in the performance.
2. Honest
Clara and Madge have the quality of being honest. They do not like to tell a lie. They will say what they know and what they know is true.
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It is unusual for a woman to start talking in a party. The quotation takes place in a party at the Rectory that is an annual party where old generation and the young one meet to discuss political matters. Men as the central power always lead the party, open the subject and discuss it. Women, on the contrary, come in groups because of their husbands. They do not have any rights to contribute their opinion. Clara, however, cannot deny that she knows the impact of the Corn Laws. Her honesty is misinterpreted by the society by saying that Clara is an Anti Corn Law lecturer.
When Clara knows something, she cannot act that she does not know it. Clara is an educated woman, she knows how to act, how to say, and she practices the lesson she gets from school. As same as Clara, Madge is also an honest woman. She prefers telling the truth about herself, although she has the chance not to do so.
"Oh, mother!" cried Madge, "What was the worst- at least you- you - the worst that can happen to a woman? It has happened to me; mother, your daughter has wrecked your peace forever!"
"And he has abandoned you?"
"No, no; I told you it was I who left him" (p.48).
Madge has to choose telling the truth to her mother or not. Although she understands that by telling the truth, the situation will not be change but she chooses to tell it. In patriarchal society, it is taboo to have a baby without marriage. Madge in the situation that she is pregnant without marriage and the worst is she leaves Frank who supposes to be the father of the baby.
her opinion, there is no need to tell a lie because sooner or later her mother and everyone will know the truth.
3. Independent
Mr. Hopgood has taught his two daughters, Clara and Madge, to be independent since they were young. They can do everything on their own without being dependent on others. This characteristic is different from ordinary women in their society at that time since they usually cannot do anything without men. The society is dependent on men's shoulders.
It was clear that these two women could not live in London on seventy-five pounds a year, most certainly not with the prospect before them, and Clara cast about something to do (p.74).
It is unusual for women to work at that time. Women should stay at home, waiting for their husbands and doing the house works. These women, especially Clara, have different opinion with other people in the society. She knows that she has to survive by finding a job. Clara is different from the other women in the society. Other women in the society will not know what to do after the death of their husbands. They always depend on their husbands without knowing what suppose to do in surviving their life.
Clara does not want to bother anyone. She thinks that if she can do anything by herself then she will do it without bothering others. For Clara and Madge, Mrs. Caffyn is a really kind person. Clara and Madge live with her when their mother died and they must live by themselves. Mrs. Caffyn cares for them like her own daughters.
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were her own grand-daughter, and many little luxuries were bought which never appeared in Marshall's weekly bill (p.87).
The reason in being independent is that Clara thinks that she is able to do it. She believes in her own strength. Although Mrs. Caffyn acts like her own mother, Clara still becomes an independent woman. She does not want to be dependent to others.
Although she does not do what her sister does, Clara's sister, Madge is also an independent woman. They shares jobs one another. Madge has to do the house works while Clara works to get the money for them. Madge does not work like Clara does because Madge is pregnant and she is not allowed to work hard.
Madge realizes that she is in a difficult position. She is pregnant and she does not have much money except seventy-five pounds a year. She needs more money to support three people: Clara, Madge herself, and the baby. She refuses to get married, although it seems the only way to save her and the baby. She knows that she does not love Frank and she does not want to force herself. Therefore, she has to find another way to save her and also the baby. She is sure that is able to do it without being dependent on Frank.
4. Well educated
Clara and Madge are both two well educated women. Their father, Mr. Hopgood wants his daughters to be smart women. Mr. Hopgood thinks that girls must be tutored so that they are able to decide the best for them.
His two daughters, therefore, received an education much above that which was usual amongst people in their position, and each of them - an unheard of wonder in Fenmarket - had spent some time in a school in Weimar (p.6). Clara and Madge attend some schools because their father, Mr. Hopgood, wants them to be above from others in the society. Clara and Madge become well educated women because their parents support and motivate them to go to school and study.
Clara and Madge always remember the lessons that they get from school. It affects they way they think, they way they make decision, and the way they react. They behave like educated people. When the existences of books are only for noble families, they have read them, not because they are included in a noble family, but because reading is their habit. It is also influenced by their father's habit; Mr. Hopgood also loves reading books.
Mr. Hopgood, tall, lean and stately, might be seen wandering along the solitary roads searching for flowers, which, in that part of the world, were rather scarce. He was also a great reader of the best books, English, German and French, and held high doctrine, very high those days, on the training of girls, maintaining that they need, even more than boys, exact discipline and knowledge (p.5).
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They also consume literary books that can only be understood by educated people for its implicit language. Frank Palmer, the man who falls in love with Madge, realizes that Clara and Madge understand literature, which is why he uses the books to enchant Madge.
Thinking that Madge would be pleased with him if she found tat he knew something about that famous Ode, and being really smitten with some of the passages in it, he learnt it, and just as they were about to turn homewards one sultry evening he suddenly began to repeat it, and declaimed it to the end with rhetorical power (p.43).
The only way to impress Clara and Madge is to be an educated man. Frank wants to show Madge that he is equal to her because he is also educated. His attempt is successful and Madge accept his engagement.
Miss Hopgood [Clara] talked again, and actually told the parson that, so far she had read upon the subject- fancy her reading about the Corn Laws- the argument was all one way, and that after Colonel Thompson nothing new could really be urged (p.14).
Clara stands in public to give her opinion on Corn Laws issue. She teaches the people the meaning of Corn Laws and its effects. She teaches them based on the newspaper she reads, and based on the knowledge she has. It proves that she has much knowledge.
5. Wise
The quality of being wise is reflected through the characteristics of the two major characters when they decide something to do.
"I [Clara] have never had the chance, and am not likely to have it. I can only say that if it were come to me, I should try to use the whole strength of my soul" (p.17).
society positions women in lower position to men, but she is wise not to consider those as the reasons to surrender to men.
When Clara knows that her sister is pregnant, she does not blame her. "Her [Madge] mother and Clara did everything to sustain and to cheer her" (p.49). Clara understands that Madge must be in terrible shock and Clara is wise in choosing cheering her sister instead of being angry with her.
Different from Clara, Madge has her own way to express her wisdom. Although being pregnant without marriage in the society is taboo, Madge chooses not to get marry, but also refuses to kill the baby. It implies that she is wise enough in finding another way in order to save her and the baby. Although it will be difficult for Madge to live in her condition, she wants to take the responsibility to take care of the baby.
It also implies that she is mature and wise. "...marriage to avoid disgrace would be a wrong to both of us infinitely greater" (p.46). Madge is wise in the sense that she does not choose to marry to Frank just because she does not want the society rejects her and avoid disgrace. She knows that she does not love Frank and she will not force herself to marry to him.
6. Logical
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of them. “There is no human truth which is altogether true, no love which is altogether perfect (p.78)”. She is logical when she suspects an uncertain thing. The reason is that she does not know the quality of the matter; therefore she feels that she needs to protect herself from it.
It was clear that these two women could not live in London on seventy-five pounds a year, most certainly not with the prospect before them, and Clara cast about for something to do (p.74).
Clara can be said to be logical since she has an idea to survive by working. She knows that she does not have much money, therefore she should find a way to support her life and she chooses working.
Being educated, Madge is usually using her rationale thinking. The school that gives her knowledge had also give her a concept of right and wrong as well as good and bad.
Madge, accordingly, was sent to Brighton, and was introduced into a new world. She was just beginning to ask herself why certain things were right and other things were wrong… (p.7-8).
She is familiar with rules that forbid wrong and bad things. However, because of her understanding on what is called right and wrong, she applies the concept of truth in her life and her relation to others. It becomes her habit to think logically and acting rationally. She uses her ability to think rationally when she is facing her pregnancy.
“You believe you loved me, but I doubted my love, and I know now that no true love for you exists. We must part, and part forever. Whatever wrong may have been done, marriage to avoid disgrace would be a wrong to both of us infinitely greater (p.46).
from Frank in her womb. However, she insists not to marry because she does not love Frank. She thinks logically that marriage without love will ruin the marriage itself. She does not want that happens to her and Frank.
7. Courageous
Being alone without any guide from their father, they force themselves to be courageous. The function of father in family and in the society is big; especially they stay in a patriarchal society where men are seen as the central power. The only way for them is to survive willing or unwilling because they do not have anyone to be their guide. They have to make their own decision, they have to struggle to live and they have to survive in the society.
Although they are women, they know what to do. They do everything to protect themselves. They know that the society does not like them, but they always try to interact with them, give their knowledge, and strength.
"I [Madge] broke off the engagement: we are not suited to one another." "I [Mrs. Hopgood] thought as much; I honor you; a thousand times better that you should separate now than find out your mistake afterwards when it is irrevocable. Thank God, He has given you such courage!" (p.47). Madge is courageous for she is brave to break off the engagement. Madge and Frank's engagement has spread around the society. Their parents have agreed with the engagement. The nature of a woman in a patriarchal society is to wait a man proposes her. The woman cannot refuse without any clear reason. Madge, however, not only breaks off the engagement with Frank, but she also breaks the rules. She does not love Frank, she is not suited him, and this is the reason to break off the engagement.
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she knows that a woman should not express her opinion in public. Clara, however, is different. She cannot pretend not knowing something while in fact she does. She often says her opinion in public courageously, although she knows the consequence of doing so.
Miss Hopgood [Clara] talked again, and actually told the parson that, so far as she read upon the subject-fancy her reading about the Corn Laws- the argument was all one way, and that after Colonel Thompson nothing new could really be urged (p.14).
The society is not familiar with the persuasion that is done by a woman. They only have one opinion on Clara: she is a strange creature. The consequence that is given to Clara is the exclusion. "The Hopgood young women were almost entirely isolated, for the trades folk felt themselves uncomfortable and inferior in every way in their presence" (p.13). Clara is courageous in the sense that she is not afraid of the exclusion. When the society has the rule that women must not express their opinion in public whatever the reason is Clara contrasts it.
8. Having self-respect
Clara decides not to marry, although Baruch Cohen loves her. She respects her decision because she knows exactly that her dream is not fulfilled in finding equal man who can be her partner in every occasion. The proof is when she says, "...a husband who could give her all intellectual demanded" (p.120). She respects herself by being easy going with what society will think about her. The only person who knows what she wants is Clara herself, therefore she follows her conscience.
fatigued. Although everybody protests because they want to show her many beautiful views around, she does not care. Her body needs to rest; therefore she should give it a rest. It is the way Clara respects herself. She respects her body as well as respecting her mind.
Madge faces the same thing. By refusing the marriage, she respects herself. She feels not ready to marry, although the situation forces her to do so. She will not follow the rule and she thinks that nobody can force her to do what she does not want to do. She has decided her own decision, which she knows the best for her; therefore she only follows her choice.
"There must be no wavering, no half-measures, and I absolutely forbid another letter from you" (p.46). Madge has made a decision that is leaving Frank and be the mother of the baby. She respects herself by respecting her decision. Madge knows that she has to be responsible for the consequence. Refusing Frank's existence in the way she respects her life. "Another letter did come, but Madge was true to her word, and it was returned unopened (p.46). Madge has proven that she will not receive any letters from Frank.
9. Free
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Madge break the rule. They cannot erase their lesson that is their habit in to be liberal.
As to Madge, she enjoyed her expulsion as a great joke, and her Brighton experiences were the cause of much laughter. She had learned a good deal while she was away from home, not precisely what it was intended she should learn, and she came back with a strong, insurgent tendency, which was even more noticeable when she returned from Germany (p.12).
The headmaster expels her from school because Selina, her roommate, says to the headmaster that Madge an unhelpful sinner who has not been baptized yet. According to Selina, it will give her a big effect that is sin and punishment from God. Madge accepts the rule but in her heart she laughs because in her opinion the quality of education in sot determined by religion. She thinks that belief and religion are someone's privacy because every human being has rights to choose.
Clara thinks that she was born as free person who has rights and privacy. Hence, she applies that in her daily life. "Apart altogether from purely material reasons, we have right; we are born into this planet without our consent, and therefore, we may make certain demands" (p.114). Clara realizes that everyone is born free with same rights. The statement implies that she respects others.
Besides having some same characteristics above, Clara and Madge also have some special characteristics that they have on their own. Those characteristics make them become special women in their society.
a. Clara's Characteristics
1) Intelligent
are playing chess, a male game. Madge is losing and Clara attributes her sister's lack of success to a failure in planning and forecasting.
'The reason is that you do not look two moves ahead. You never say to yourself, "Suppose I move there, what is she likely to do, and what can I do afterwards?" ' (p.15).
The quotation above implies that Clara is smart in the way she explains to her sister that in playing chess, they need to think about what the opponent will do if they take certain moves.
Clara is not only smart in the way she plays chess but she is also able to give a smart opinion and makes others agree with her.
"They will face a revolution for repeal because it will enable them to grind an extra profit out of us."
"I agree with you entirely," said Dennis, turning to Clara, "that a tax upon food is wrong in the abstract" (p.114).
It is Dennis who says it. He is Clara's friend who, at the time he is speaking, is sharing opinion with her. Before this conversation, Clara gives her opinion first, saying that she disagrees with Corn Law. She expresses it smartly that makes Dennis at last agrees with her. It proves that although she is a woman, she has ability to give a smart opinion and persuade others to agree with her.
2) Introvert
Clara is introvert in the sense that she prefers to be alone when she is dealing with her private problem.
Clara interpreted the warning and was silent, but, after she had left the room with her mother in order that the lovers might be alone, she went upstairs and wept many tears (p.42).
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hide and solve it by herself.
"She read and mediated a good deal in the shop, but not to much profit, for she was continually interrupted, and the thought of her sister intruded itself perpetually" (p.77). Clara prefers to read than to gossip with other people. Her master is also an intelligent man because he likes reading, but he likes to share with other people to discuss something. "He [Mr. Barnes] was known far and wide, and literary people were glad to gossip with him" (p.76). The quotation implies that Clara is introvert. When Mr. Barnes is able to speak to other people, Clara prefers to stay in the shop, busy with her own business.
3) Thoughtful
Clara always plans everything before doing it and it shows that she is a thoughtful person. This thoughtful characteristic is reflected when she thinks about something seriously and intentionally.
Clara and Madge often play chess together. Clara is thoughtful before moving the chess pieces which makes Madge have to wait for few minutes. Clara creates her own way in facing and deciding something. It implies that she always prepares everything before acting.
"The planning and the forecasting are the soul of the game. I [Clara] should like to be a general, and play against armies and calculate the consequences of maneuvers" (p.15).
4) Calm
Although she is able to persuade people, actually she is not capable in using words. She can be classified into a calm person.
"You know I do not mean that, and you know, too, how incapable I am of defending myself in argument. I never can stand up for anything I say. I can now and then say something, but, when I have said it, I run away" (p.78).
It implies that she is passive, but whenever she disagrees on something, she will give her own opinion, although at last she feels surprise that she is able to say it.
"She consented and they went along Oxford Street without speaking, the roar of carriages and wagons preventing a word" (p.103). The conversation takes place in Oxford Street when Baruch and Clara walk along the street. Baruch picks her up from the shop where he works. It is the first time they have a chance to walk together. It is always Baruch who begins to try to make ice breaking, while Clara pays no attention. It is not because Clara does not like him, but it is because she does not know how to begin a conversation.
b. Madge's Characteristics
1) Consistent
Although Mrs. Caffyn has told Madge about the importance of marriage, she does not care. She is consistent to her decision that is not to marry to Frank, although she knows exactly that her decision makes her unrespected.
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that her infant should be fatherless, although there was a gentleman waiting to take them both and make them happy (p.86).
Actually, by marrying Frank, Madge can solve her problem. She does not need to work, she does not have to be single parent, and she does not have to face monetary problem. However, she does not want to accept Frank because she has decided the best for herself, and she proves her promise.
"I [Madge] have left him." "Are you sure?" "Quite."
"For ever?" "For ever!" (p.94).
The quotation above is the conversation between Madge and Mrs. Marshall. Madge tells her the truth that she had left Frank. She is consistent with all the decision that she takes and she had proved that her promise is already fulfilled.
2) Stubborn
Madge rarely accepts others' suggestion and critics. She stands on her foot because she is sure that she is always right.
"It is now interesting subject for discussion whether the lie was a sin" "No," said Madge, "a thousand times no."
"Brief and decisive. Well, Mr. Palmer, what do you say?" "That is rather awkward question. A lie is a lie."
"But not,' broke Madge, vehemently..." (p.27).
When everybody is sure that a lie is a lie, Madge insists that it is not always like that. She argues that a lie depends on the circumstances. It is not easy for Madge to accept others' opinion. Madge thinks that a lie is acceptable if a lie is being told for the sake of goodness.
The quotation above is the dialogue between her and Clara about Madge's performance the day before. Clara criticizes her, but Madge becomes angry. In other words, Madge feels that she always performs the best, therefore everybody must like it.
"Ah yes, I [Madge] know all about that, but I am not going to give up my instinct for the sake of a rule. Do what you feel to be right. And let the rule go hang" (p.28).
The quotation implies that Madge will break the rule if she thinks that the rule limits her rights. She cannot be defeated by any kinds of rules for it is Madge who posses her own life. She insists on defending her rights and becomes rebellious. Madge prefers to do what she thinks to be right although the rule of society says oppositely.
3) Intuitive
The contrasting characteristic between Clara and Madge is that Madge is intuitive. She trusts her intuition better than her ability to plan something before doing it. It is reflected through the conversation between them when they are playing chess. Clara does not need to wait long to give Madge a chance to play the game.
"It [the planning of something] would kill me. I should prefer the fighting. Besides, the calculation is useless... It is a gift, an instinct, I suppose" (p.15)
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"If a man were to present himself to me, I [Madge] should rely on that instinct you so much despise, and I am certain that the balancing, see-saw method would be fatal." (p.18).
From the quotation above, it implies that Madge insists that in life and, more importantly, in the selection of a husband, her preference of instinct will tell. Madge believes that in selecting a husband, she must consider her own instinct to get the best.
4) Curious
Madge always wants to know everything. She has big curiosity of things around her. She is curious to prove something that she sees, hears, and knows.
When he had gone she reasoned with herself. What a miserable counterfeit of love, she argued, is mere intellectual sympathy, a sympathy based on books! (p.40-41).
Madge has read some literary works such as Shakespearian. She understands the content and she lets herself entering the books. Her curiosity becomes bigger when she knows the passion of a lover in the books. It is the reason why she wants to prove that in her real world, although she realizes that the characters in the books are not real. "These creatures whom we know through Shakespeare and Goethe are ghostly" (p.41).
B. The Ideas of Feminism Reflected through the Major Characters
Clara and Madge Hopgood are the major characters in the novel. They have some similar characteristics but they also have their own characteristics. Both of them are educated women who have modern thinking, which is unusual to their society at that time.
they are thinking is based on their narrow understanding for they never communicate and share knowledge with others. It is not because they do not want to, but because they do not possess any worthy knowledge to share. What they know is commonly known.
The writer tries to reveal the ideas of feminism through the two major characters. The ideas of feminism which the writer gets are based on their characteristics, their way of thinking, and the way they struggle against the patriarchal society where they live in.
1. Equality
Based on the realization of rights, Clara criticizes the stereotypes of women that the society forms. The society believes that it is usual for a married woman to comfort her husband by obeying all his orders.
He [Mr. Marshall] was not mistaken in Sarah. She was certainly robust; she was a shrewd housekeeper, and she never read anything, except now and then a paragraph or two in the weekly newspaper, notwithstanding (for there were no children), time hung rather heavily on her hands (p.62). It is Mrs. Marshall who becomes the representative. Women in the society, typically, are uneducated. They do not know how to kill the time in waiting for their husbands going home from working. After these women finish their work in the house, they should prepare themselves to comfort their husbands.
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The underestimation of women is clearly seen when a husband and his wife meet. The husband usually does not tell his experience in that day. "He never informed her what he had been doing, and if he had told her, she would neither have understood nor cared anything about it" (p.62). It implies that the husband thinks his wife will not understand his experience because of her lack of education. She is conditioned only to control household matters, not to be a participant.
Clara disagrees with this rule. She wants to change it, at least for herself. "A husband was to be had for a look, for a touch, a husband whom she could love, a husband who could give her all her intellect demanded" (p.120).
Clara knows that the position of a wife should be equal to a husband. A couple needs and should respect each other. What she is facing in her society is only one-way respect that is a respect from a wife to her husband. She suggests that a husband, beside should give his wife love and protection, should regard her in every occasion as his partner in life. He should discuss something with her, listen to her opinion, and understand her will.
As a logical, free, independent, and wise woman, Clara shows to the society that she can do what men do. At that time, there are no women who work to get some money. It is the husbands’ job to go to work and collect money. Clara, who realizes that she needs money, tries to find a job and she gets it. Clara is free to do everything she wants to do and she is an independent woman who does not want to bother anyone in the society.
Different from Clara, Madge struggles for equality in a different way. Being not married to Frank, Madge must take care of herself and her baby alone. By refusing marriage means that Madge refuses a legitimation of sexual union. It has a deeper meaning that her sexual intercourse with Frank is illegal; therefore the baby is also illegal.
As a consistent woman, Madge proves to everybody that she always keeps her words. She says that she does not want to get marry to Frank and she is really does it. She realizes that women also have the right to get freedom of choice. Although the society considers her as a prostitute by refusing Frank’s proposal, Madge never gives up. She knows that she has the strength to do it by herself.
She is living in a religious society that adores church, dogmas, and ethics, meaning that her decision is condemned. Sexual intercourse outside marriage can be classified into a form of prostitution for it is done outside marriage, a legal institution for sexual intercourse.
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function. By doing her role to be a father, she positions herself in equality to men. The responsibility to be the head of the family now is on her hand. The system of patriarchal society positions man to be a leader of the family. Madge teaches the society, especially women, that a woman can also have strength in leading family.
Clara emphasizes the equality of getting the same position as men in the society by introducing women's rights to think and speech in the society. Madge has different way. She struggles for equality to gain the same position as men in making decision and choice.
2. Freedom
Living in a liberal family makes the two sisters, Clara and Madge, realize the meaning of freedom. Both of them grow as independent people, and go to Weimar, Germany, to get formal education.
"Both Clara and Madge went first to an English day-school, and Clara went straight from this school to Germany." (p.7). The school teaches her about theology, German classics and literature. Hence, she is familiar with books and newspapers. As a result, she has various subjects to speak to other people.
Mr. Hopgood was also peculiar in his way of dealing with his children. He talked to them and made them talk to him, and whatever they read was translated into speech; thought, in his house, was vocal (p.6).
It shows how Mr. Hopgood respects any kind of ideas, thoughts, and opinion. Being educated in such a way of education, Clara accustoms to think and do as a free person who has rights to think and speech. She becomes courageous in the middle of the patriarchal society. When she knows some important news both from the society she lives in and from the newspapers, she will present her own opinion among the members of the society.
Since she was a little, Clara was taught by her father that she can tell anything to her father. Mr. Hopgood educates her daughters to be intelligent women. Because of that, Clara becomes an intelligent woman. She knows how to get the freedom of speak up.
The society where Clara and Madge live cannot accept progressive things easily. Clara is not like other women who are supposed to obey rules in the city. As a woman living in patriarchal society, Clara should not talk too much in public. She should be as speechless as other women. The second reason is that although Clara knows that her action in speaking in public is prohibited, she neglects it. She continues her action in expressing herself courageously.
In the same occasion where Clara speaks up in public, she gives her emphasis on the bad effects of the Corn Laws for the poor. She condemns tyranny system that marginalizes the voice of people, especially the poor. Clara, bravely, reveals the hypocrisy of the religious society.
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lecture, that is to believe nothing on one particular subject which his own precious intellect cannot verify, and the next morning he finds it to be his duty to swallow wholesale anything you please to put into his mouth (p.115).
Clara criticizes how people in her society behave. The priests order every member of the society, rich and poor, to go to the church and listen to religious lecture on Sunday evening. The priests suggest the people not to believe in others’ opinion. Poor people, who do not have any intellectual capacity, accept the priests’ order. The priests, however, provoke these poor to agree with government. Indirectly, they suggest these poor to obey the policy, although they know the effect of it for the people, which is a never-ending slavery. Clara can be classified into an intellect person for she has knowledge that is used to make people realizing what is going on around them.
Clara always uses her logical thinking when she wants to say or to do something. She is also a courageous woman and she is brave to express her mind and her opinion in front of the public. Clara’s characteristics make her able to use her right to speak up. She knows that women, actually, have the same right to speak as men have.
women as inferior to men. However, Clara, with her ability in thinking and speaking has proved that the opinion is not true. It is obvious that a woman can also have strength persuade people, to express themselves, and to give their opinion in public.
As an ordinary woman, Clara reacts on the society's punishment given to her. She neglects all criticism to her for she believes that what she does is right. As a liberal person who has freedom, she leads the society. "We have rights... (p.114). Clara says this quotation in front of several people when they are discussing the Corn Laws. The word 'we' is addressed for both the listeners and the speaker, which is Clara herself. She teaches that every human being has the rights to be a free individual and to be a free person in the society.
Clara shows the way of being a free and an independent person. When women should agree and accept proposals, Clara reacts. A man with superior power is free to decide when and whom he will marry. "A man determines that he must marry..."(p.107). The quotation implies that men are powerful in deciding a marriage, and his decision is a fixed one. A woman, on the other hand, does not have any rights to reject. She only has right to accept without complaining as if her life depended on men.
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proves that as a woman, she does not have to accept a love from a man. She uses her rights in choosing her decision. However, in the end of the story, it is told that at last she is unmarried. She chooses another way to devote her life to be a volunteer in Italy.
When Clara realizes that she wants to devote all her life in Italy by helping slaves get their freedom, she goes to Mazzini who is described as the leader of the movement. He asks her about her motivation in joining him because Mazzini feels that it is strange to have a woman helping the movement. Mazzini suspects that Clara's motivation is broken heart matter, but she denies that.
Still, Mazzini wants to know Clara's real reason in joining him because her motivation will affect the way she sees the movement. Clara courageously answers, "My motivation is perfectly pure" (p.135). It is Clara herself who decides to do so. It is also the proof that she has found another expression of love, which is to love others who need help. She is more interested in mankind matters. By making decision not to marry, Clara shows that she respects her life for she knows what she wants to do and what she wants to be. Clara wants to say that every woman is free to accept or to reject marriage because they have rights to make decision.
have sexual intercourse with Frank without realizing that she will faces a big problem.
As an ordinary woman, Madge is afraid of her pregnancy. She does not know what to do because pregnancy outside marriage is seen as the worst thing. "What is the worst-at-least to you- you- the worst that can happen to a woman?" (p.47). She asks her mother. Mrs. Hopgood is speechless but she can guess the answer. She can only ask her daughter, "And he [Frank] abandoned you?" (p.48). The quotation implies the stereotype of men. Mrs. Hopgood speaks it as if it was a custom that a man who has taken a woman's virginity could easily leave her. Madge sees the pregnancy outside marriage is worse than anything that might happen to a woman.
Because of Madge's pregnancy, Madge and her family have to move to another place. Another problem comes when her mother died, leaving seventy-five pounds a year for three people. Madge is living in a difficult position for she does not want to marry Frank because she does not love him. "Whatever wrong may have done, marriage to avoid disgrace would be a wrong to both of us infinitely greater" (p.46). Madge uses her rationale thinking in refusing Frank. She believes that marriage depends on the couple. If one of the couple does not love the partner, they will ruin the marriage.
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Madge knows that the only way in solving her problem is by marrying Frank, but she always refuses to do so. Through the quotation above, Madge wants to say that she has freedom. She possesses freedom to refuse, freedom to choose, and freedom to do her will. In Madge's case, it is not man who decides something, but Madge. She decides that she does not to marry with Frank. It proves that a woman can be the determiner as long as she recognize the meaning of freedom for her life.
Madge shows her freedom to choose by marrying Baruch Cohen, Clara's friend. Madge finds another love that is Baruch Cohen. They love and need each other, therefore they decide to marry. It proves that Madge respect marriage. The problem lies on whom she will get marry. When Madge finds someone who loves her and she loves him too, there is no reason in refusing marriage. Madge shows the freedom to choose by deciding to marry with Baruch Cohen. She knows that she can be responsible for her decision.
Madge is aware of her rights; therefore she wants to tell the society that she is a free person who has rights to choose. She knows that living together with Frank will not give her happiness. She does not want to force herself to marry him, although the condition forces her to do so. She respects marriage and that is why she does not want to get marry just to avoid disgrace.
3. Independence
clear that these two women could not live in London on seventy-five pounds a year, most certainly not with the prospect before them, and Clara cast about something to do” (p.74). It implies that Clara wants to prove that she has strength like what men do.
Working and earning money have proved that Clara is independent. She thinks rationally that her life depends on what she does. She does not want to be dependent on others although she knows that the landlord, Mrs. Caffyn is able to support her, Madge, and the baby.
Mrs. Caffyn loved her [Madge], and when she was ill had behaved like a mother to her. The newly-born child, a healthy girl, was treated by Mrs. Caffyn as if it were her own grand-daughter, and many luxuries were bought which never appeared in Mrs. Marshall’s weekly bill (p.87).
Clara is sure of herself that she can do something, reflecting her characteristic as independent person. “I was educated abroad; I can speak German and French. I do not know much Italian, but when I reach Italy I will soon learn” (p.135). The quotation implies that she is a multi-linguist. It is a plus value for her that makes her sure that she is not an ordinary person. Her society is dominated by uneducated people, so it is difficult to find the educated ones. Clara, with her talent and ability to speak many languages, decides to use them to survive and to rely on her own strength.
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punishment” (p.48). It implies that the society is usual to punish a pregnant woman outside marriage with a tortured punishment such as exclusion.
Madge uses her rights not to accept Frank and his love, although the punishment of the society tortures her badly. She cannot deny that she needs more financial support for her life and the baby, yet she refuses it. “I [Mrs. Caffyn] return the money, having no use for the same” (p.94). Madge asks Mrs. Caffyn to return the money from Frank. It is not Madge herself who returns it because she has promised not to read every single letter from Frank, proving that she is consistent.
Madge wants to use her own strength to take care of her baby. She feels that she is able to handle it.
It will be a life with no enthusiasm nor romance, perhaps, but it will be tolerable, and what may be called happy, and my [Madge] child will be protected and educated (p.89).
Madge proves that she can give her baby protection as well as education. The point is that Madge refuses marriage not because she hates to be married, but because she respects herself. Nobody can force her to love Frank and to get marry with him.
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CHAPTER V
CONCLUSION
In this chapter, the writer gives the conclusion of the analysis. Mark Rutherford's Clara Hopgood tells about two well-educated sisters who live in Fenmarket, a patriarchal society that is facing The Corn Laws policy. Mr. Hopgood, Clara and Madge's father, knows how important the education for his daughters. Although education is not usual for women in their society, Mr. Hopgood thinks that his daughters need well education. He teaches his daughters about the importance of education.
The writer already gives two problem formulations to be answered. The first problem is dealing with the characteristics of the two major characters in the novel. Clara and Madge Hopgood, as educated women, share same characteristics such as, attractive, honest, independent, well-educated, wise, logical, courageous, self-respective, and free.
