Shades of Agatha Christie’s Social Milieu on her Strong Female Characters

Abstract

This dissertation aims at exploring the influence of Agatha Christie's social milieu on her portrayal of strong female characters. Incorporating biographical and feminist perspectives, a close reading of both her iconic and non-iconic female characters was used in this study. The latter reveals the significant impact of Christie’s society on her character development, particularly in relation to women’s empowerment and independence. Her female family members had impact on her personality, making her a powerful woman. Thus, as a writer, her characters mirror aspects of herself, including her own values and beliefs. Additionally, Christie adeptly incorporates the “New Woman” concept, offering a glimpse into the idealized position of women in her literary works. By portraying female characters that defy societal expectations and embrace their agency, she attempted to highlight the importance of women as they embrace various roles. By her narratives, Christie demonstrates the significance of women as central figures, challenging traditional gender roles and advocating for their active participation in society.