DOI: 10.13189/lls.2014.020304 Dickens’s Perception of Female Personality: Representation of Lady Dedlock and Esther Summerson in Bleak House

Abstract Dickens’s concept of female personality shown in Bleak House (1852-53) is one of his most sensitive as well as complex representations of womanhood. Lady Dedlock and Esther Summerson, the two female protagonists of the novel are the best examples. Therefore, this essay will display the character of Lady Dedlock and Esther with multiple points of views to illustrate Dickens’s notions regarding women. The study will evaluate the psychological turmoil of the two characters, as well as their ways of survival in the male centric society of the then England. It will also focus on Dickens’s concept of home and the contribution as well as the role of women in such situations. Moreover, comparative study between characters will be shown to throw more light on the argument and Dickens’s intention for such character sketches of women will be explained. Additionally, comparisons between Dickens’s female characters and other characters from literature will be presented to clarify his views