During Queen Victoria's reign in the 19th Century, women were still seen as less than men, much like the rest of the world at the time. The main role of the woman during this time was to be at home to take care of the house, and tend to the husband's needs. This is seen as a theme in Middlemarch particularly, as one of the main themes of the book is the significance of marriage in the women's lives. The entire book is practically dedicated to seeing the women's perspective during this time in finding a husband and the trials she goes through in deciding her role in his life while navigating the struggles in her own. This is particularly relevant in this time when looking at the event in 1870 where the Married Women's Property Act was passed, allowing women to own, buy, and sell her own property the same as a single woman. Before this time, women were not able to own property "in her own right," and the husband was also fully responsible for the wive's debt. Property Acts were continued to be passed throughout the 1870s and 80's and not only that, but during this time the telephone and typewriter were created, allowing more jobs for women to be available. This may have kickstarted the women's rights movement even more overall, and is an interesting aspect to look at in regards to this book that is widely seen as a different outlook on women during this time.

With knowledge of these incidents, in particular, the passing of the Women's Property Act(s), a reader during this time may feel ambivalent depending upon their gender. Men would likely feel indifferent to this book, as it takes an interesting approach to the way women view marriage. Dorothea's choosiness when it comes to a suitor may be seen as unfavorable to a male reader, especially during a time where the traditional role of a woman in the household is being challenged in real-life. To a woman, however, this book may be seen as empowering when following a smart and headstrong female protagonist navigate her way through life. The way the book challenges the stereotypes women face, especially for this time, would be eye-opening for most readers. The drive Dorothea exhibits may be seen as fuel and inspiration for the average woman during this time who is encountering more rights and opportunities than she ever has before. Overall, the book definitely follows the trends of the era, while also appealing to the average traditionalist who wants to cling to old themes of marriage being the main goal of women in society. 

“Women in Victorian England – Merryn Allingham.” Merrynallingham.Com, 2019, merrynallingham.com/19th-century/women-in-victorian-england/.

“Women%27s Rights in 19th Century Britain - Bing Video.” Www.Bing.Com, www.bing.com/videos/search?q=women%27s+rights+in+19th+century+britain&&v.... Accessed 28 Sept. 2020.

‌

‌