"The Madwoman in the Attic" by Sandra Gilbert and Susan Gubar

"The Madwoman in the Attic," written by Sandra Gilbert and Susan Gubar, is a critical analysis of 19th-century women's literature. The authors explore how female writers, like Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë, depicted women's struggles against societal constraints. They argue that the "madwoman," often portrayed as a troubled female figure, symbolizes women's repressed emotions and desires. The book examines themes of identity, madness, and creativity, revealing how these writers challenged patriarchal norms and expressed their frustrations. Through this lens, Gilbert and Gubar empower readers to understand the broader implications of women's voices in literature and society.