This paper discusses two popular works of American literature illustrating the position of women during the 18th and 19th century, “The Hidden Hand” by E.D.E.N. Southworth (1888) and “The Coquette” by Hannah Foster (1797).
This paper relates the way the main characters, Capitola Black, in “The Hidden Hand” by E.D.E.N. Southworth, and Eliza Wharton, in “The Coquette” by Hannah Foster, portray, in diverse ways,the progression of women in American society. The author points out that these literary works depict the struggles and victories of women as they fought their way towards progress and eventual liberation in the society. The paper states that, in Southworth’s and Foster’s novels, the role of women progressed by adopting masculine characteristics while maintaining their femininity.
“Capitola Black, or Cap, in the novel The Hidden Hand is an example of a 19th century-woman who adopts a masculine personality in order to initiate progress in the society. This is a practical decision to make on her part, since she has been aware that opportunities, especially job offers, are limited for women and abundant for men. The development of Cap’s character in the novel is best embodies by a comparative analyses of the characters of Cap, Clara Day, and Mrs. Le Noir, which all embody the kinds of women existing during Southworth’s time. Cap, as mentioned earlier, is illustrated as a feisty woman, working her way up in the economic ladder by disguising herself as a young man: ” And so because I was a girl there seemed to be nothing but starvation or beggary before me!… I felt bitter against Fate for not making me a boy” Yes, sir, and the only thing that made me feel sorry was to see what a fool I had been not to turn to a boy before, when it was so easy! And from that day forth I was happy and prosperous!” “.