Matt Reagan
English 432
Dr. Coleman
1-16-09
Feminism in A New England Tale
Women in Sedgwick’s story do not display a great deal of independence through most of
the narrative, instead following the prescribed social guidelines of constant passivity. Jane Elton,
however, makes an exception, particularly towards the end of the story. While she is extremely
submissive to many of the unrealistic demands of her aunt, she eventually develops a relatively
strong sense of independence. Her decision in Chapter 11 to accept Edward’s marriage proposal
seems at first to be a decidedly conformist move as she submits to his wishes, but in doing so she
defies the arguably greater authority of her aunt and is able to escape the oppressive living
situation in which she had been trapped. On the same note, Jane also makes a much more strong-
minded decision to leave Edward in Chapter 13 after he admits to gambling. The decision to
disobey her future husband seems rather strong-minded in a society where obedience to men
holds such a high value.