The Misogyny Of Women In House Of Spirits

The time of postcolonial rule in Latin America changed the lives of some, but not many. Women were still seen as a lower rank, and not equal to men. They did not have the same rights as they were seen to be submissive to their husbands. Thy were known to be a housewife, who cared for the men in the family. In contrast, the men’s role was to have the power in the family, and defend the women. If one was to break this standard practice, severe consequences would be held. However, Allende breaks the misogyny of women and shows their true power and worth in her novel. They defy the general roles of women by going against the male character. In the book House of Spirits, Isabelle Allende uses the characters Clara, Blanca, Alba, and Transito to show

Esteban, her husband, is known to have power throughout the story, using it to his advantage. He can obtain his power, but not his own wife. When Clara was arguing with Esteban, he used his rage to knock Clara’s teeth out. Their argument was about Esteban beating up their daughter after finding out about her secret lover. Esteban uses his status of “being superior to women” to beat up his daughter. Clara, being enraged, moved out of the house and “stopped using her married name and removed the fine gold wedding ring…” (201). In this period, women going against their husband is uncommon, breaking the usual stereotype. Clara, for instance, removes the wedding ring that symbolized Esteban and Clara’s relationship. In doing so, it shows her standing up against Esteban, to protect her daughter, which influences her daughter and granddaughter in doing the same. Allende portrays women differently than the societal standards, to show their true

Growing up, she has a strong connection with her grandfather, which slowly starts to crumble as she meets her lover, Miguel- who works against the patron. Knowing that Miguel despises her grandfather and Esteban despising Miguels “kind”, she continues to see her lover by hiding her true identity. Furthermore, she attends a university where she and Miguel share their political beliefs, going against what her grandfather believes as well. When she finally stood up to him, “Blanca, who had never had the courage to oppose her father, did not attempt to hide her smile” (371). Allende portrays Alba’s character growth through going against Esteban’s wishes, knowing that it would severely hurt him. Blanca, who never had the direct opportunity to do this, supports her daughters’ power. Alba, unlike the other female characters, is seen in a different perspective- she had close relationship with Esteban, causing him to admire her in several ways. However, when she breaks free of the ideals Esteban has for her, it causes damage to society and the