Plight of woman as depicted by 19th century literature

Plight of women in 19th century as depicted by male authors

Hello everyone,

Today, I am going to write a topic which has been subject of many novels written in 19th century. In history class lecture we used to study that how 19th century literature put forward the topic of plight of the woman in the society and gave birth to feminism. However, whenever I read a classical novel I feel that many 19th century male authors were more feminist than the female authors.  

I mean surely characters of woman depicted in any  Jane Austen novel or Charlotte Bronte novel were strong but were these novels able to depict the subject which was seeking attention with foghorns. I mean it only gave whispers of strong-headed women. If you are looking for romantic novels in which woman seek a good career by marrying  a deep-pocketed man with chivalry oozing out of his every pore, then these are the perfect novels for you.

But if you have read Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas hardy , you would correlate with me. This novel depicted romance, plight of women in the society and strong character of the protagonist. 

If we talk about Tess of the D'Urbervilles then author has clearly portrayed  hardships a woman face after she has been raped. Tess was raped by her sham cousin and this condition fall upon her due to the greed of her parents. However, even after this incident she tried to be independent and seek a job in dairy farm where she fell in love with Angel Clare. Eventually, they got married but right after their marriage Angel deserted her after coming face to face  with the entire truth about her past.

She was being punished for a crime she didn't even commit. Society has set rules for women and want them to adhere to it and abide by it. Thing have bettered slightly in the 21th century but in some religions and country woman are still facing these hardships. The man who committed this crime are easily forgiven. Their wives don't desert them for committing this sin and ruining an innocent life.  Well, eventually Angel got back to his senses after a whole year of the separation, but it was too late. Tess was a woman of dignity, she never reach out to Angel for her expenses.She started working again for her living. But in turn of events, poverty again left Tess to the door of Alec D'Urberville. She became her mistress and started living a resentful life. When Angel came to seek her forgiveness, in lamentation she killed her criminal (Alec D'Urberville) and freed herself. However her freedom was short lived as she was hanged to death for the crime she committed. Was this justice well-served? She was a strong-willed woman who tried to win bread by working hard. She never resorted to choices like marrying a man for better life. Her character was screaming feminism at the best. 

If you Still haven't read this masterpiece by Thomas hardy, then I would highly recommend this book to you.