We asked the LearnEnglish team to tell us about a book or film they like that has inspiring women characters.
The Help
This film is set in Mississippi (in the American South) in the 1960s and tells the stories of Skeeter, a young woman from a wealthy white family, and of other women in her life, especially the black women who work in prominent white people's houses. Skeeter decides to write about them because she sees that despite playing essential roles in the homes they work in, these women are treated as second-class citizens. The women resist speaking frankly, for they could lose their jobs or put their families in danger, but eventually they begin to tell their stories, and people around the country find out about them through Skeeter's writing. The film is a favourite with the whole family; it's impossible not to admire the strength, courage and determination of these women.
Kirk
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Little Women follows four sisters in their journey from childhood to adulthood in 1860s America. The four sisters are inspiring in different ways. Jo is creative, ambitious and aspires to be a writer in a time when it was mainly just men who held such roles. Meg embraces traditional roles but is selfless and dedicated to her family. Amy is a talented artist and is determined in pursuing love and success, and Beth has quiet courage and kindness. I really like it because it's a story which celebrates the resilience, achievements and personal growth of four complex female characters, and is still relevant over 160 years later.
Joanne
Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
I love the character of Pilate in this novel. She is a mother and grandmother, and she is wise and seemingly able to do anything. She sings with her family every night, and by singing she keeps alive the traditional songs and wisdom they contain. It is one of these songs that sets another character in the novel on a journey to discover his own family history. Pilate's knowledge is his guide on this journey, so it's meaningful that the name 'Pilate' sounds like the word 'pilot'.
Jonathan
It's your turn
Write a comment and answer these questions:
- Do you have a favourite book or film with inspiring female characters?
- Who are the characters?
- What do they do?
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My favorite film is "The Book Thief" from 2013. It is based on the novel by Markus Zusak.
The main character is a young girl named Liesel. She lives in Nazi Germany with foster parents during World War II. She likes reading books. The story is very emotional and a little bit sad. But it teaches us to be brave and optimistic.
Hi Natalie,
'The Book Thief' is a brilliant novel and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Have you also seen the film?
~ Tinaツ
LearnEnglish team
One classic piece of literature with an inspiring female protagonist is "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen. The main character, Elizabeth Bennet, is intelligent, witty, and independent. Throughout the novel, she questions societal expectations and establishes a higher value on personal integrity than social status, a groundbreaking approach for her time.
Her strength comes from rejecting marriage for convenience or wealth and staying loyal to her values. Because of this, Elizabeth is seen as a symbol of feminist literature and is admired for her independence and resistance to traditional gender roles.
My favourite book inspiring female character is Robin Ellacott from "Cormoran Strike" series by Robert Galbraith. She is a growing and empowering character who is able to be a positive role model for girls and women. I don't want to spoil the pleasure so I don't write what she does. By the way, there is a series Strike where the actress Holliday Grainger totally nailed it with her performance of Robin. Strong and vulnerable, clever and decisive she is a pure example of a modern self made girl .