Influential women from the Classics

Being influential and assertive are the chief skills to be acquired by anyone in this world. These traits have been well portrayed by the women of the fictional world, especially Classics. Their characters are rich, strong and form the "Alpha" of the story. These women do not die once the novel gets over, they are immortal. They stay with you and influence you to be the best version of yourself. I do not know if the authors ever intended that these women protagonists have an impact on the generations ahead, but I do believe that the manifestation and existence of these characters are simply splendid!

Emma was probably the most influential fictional woman of her time. In a world created by Jane Austen, she was the centre of attention and the darling of the Regency crowd. The 21-year-old assumed herself to be a world-renowned "match-maker". Getting her way in every situation was her superpower. Although at times one feels suffocated witnessing Emma's self-centred and ignorant behaviour, one has to admire her sheer will, mental strength and cheeky humour. She had the power to influence not only the ones around her age group but also those older than her regarded her opinion and advice. A strong Alpha woman exercising an active role in a male-dominated society, when women were deemed to be subservient, is truly inspiring and commendable.

Scarlett O'Hara, yet another influential woman from the fictional world of "Gone with the wind", set up by Margret Mitchell was unconventional and a non-conformist. Set during the American Civil war in the 1860s, Scarlett becomes the star of the show. Her life was a struggle. The circumstances changed her from an innocent Southern belle into a strong, assertive businesswoman. In many interpretations and analyses, she is said to have been self-absorbed and narcissistic. But the central takeaway from her character should be her extreme optimism, resilience and perseverance. Although society looked down upon her for her strong opinions, she had the power to influence the one's around her.

In an anti-hero role, Lady Macbeth takes the cake. From manipulating her husband against the king to ascending the throne herself, Shakespeare's character is powerful, strong, and frightening! While nobody can justify mankind's hunger for power, it was Lady Macbeth's initial push that lead to the eventual destruction of herself, her husband and the kingdom. The play emphasises the critical role of a woman in the society and the invisible sceptre of power that lies in her hands.

Miss Havisham from "The Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens is the most vengeful, bitter and headstrong character ever created. Her life stops the day she was jilted at the altar. She lives in her wedding gown, shuts all the windows and literally stops time by ceasing the function of all the clocks around her. Not only was her house dark and musty, so was her heart. She raises her adopted daughter Estella to be cold to men, to achieve her personal revenge. But when sees herself in Pip, she realises her folly. Also deemed as the "wicked witch", Havisham used her power and wealth to get what she wanted. 

How do these female characters influence us?

One can choose to be a social do-gooder like Emma, a non-conformist like Scarlett, a power-hungry manipulator like Lady Macbeth or a sadist like Miss Havisham. We often forget that everything lies in a spectrum of grey. One can either be overtly positive or extremely negative or simply lie in between. It is up to the readers to form an opinion about these legendary characters.