Comparing The Odd Women And Mrs. Warren's Profession

The female role constantly evolves within the changing society and women seek to adapt to the changes. In George Gissing’s The Odd Women and George Bernard Shaw’s Mrs. Warren’s Profession, the main female characters, Monica Madden and Vivie, respectively challenge the tradition female role as from to seek and prove their independence. Both Monica and Vivie demonstrate how women have different perspectives and opinions about their lives. The two women meet men who question the woman’s role in society where men establish control in a relationship. Instead of engaging with the male dominant society Monica and Vivie challenge them against their independence. Monica Madden uses her relationship with Edmund Widdowson to challenge the concept of relationships as a

Upon meeting Edmund Widdowson, Monica Madden questions her life choices without the purpose of developing a relationship and prefers to spend her time for herself. Unlike her sisters, Alice and Virginia, Monica initially has more opportunities to develop a relationship as she is known for her beauty. Monica encounters Edmund Widdoson in London at Battersea Park where she questions whether she should interact. When she decides to meet Widdowson, Monica challenges the tradition female role because she is the one who engages with him, instead of another person introducing her to Edmund. However, in regard to her social standing, Monica realizes she needs a man, for her financial benefits, since she struggles to make ends. Yet, “She was ashamed and confused. Other girls were constantly doing this kind of thing — other girls in business” (Gissing 39), in emphasis of the upper class whereas Monica is lower-middle class. Furthermore, Monica challenges the concept of relationships as a form of separation against her status and her knowledge, as she should not be the one who engages with the man in a relationship, when meeting a gentleman. It is after Monica first meets Widdowson, she