CONTRASTING IDEALS OF WOMENHOOD : A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RUTH MORSE IN “MARTIN EDEN” AND MAUD BREWSTER IN “THE SEA-WOLF” BY JACK LONDON.

Аннотация

This article provides a literary analysis of two female characters from Jack London`s novels - “Martin Eden” and “The- Sea Wolf“, highlighting their artistic features within the context of the XXth century bourgeois society. A comparetive analysis of the women of that historical period is carried out through the literary representations of Ruth Morse and Maud Brewster. Key words : Ruth Morse, Maud Brewster, Ruth and Maud differences, differences in characters. Introduction. “Characters are the soul of every story - through them, we see the world, feel emotions, and understand ourselves.” This idea fits perfectly when exploring the lives of Ruth and Maud, two distinct yet emotionally rich characters. Their experiences reflect both personal growth and internal conflict. Although their personalities differ in many ways, they share moments of recilience, emotional depth, and the search for meaning. Through comparing Ruth and Maud, we uncover how character development can shape a narrative and reveal deeper human truths. This essay will examine their similarities and differences, offering insight into what makes each of them unique and memorable. As many avid readers know, Jack London is one of the most prominent figures in english literature and widely recognized novelist of his time. His novels, covering a wide range of themes, have deeply resonated with readers across generations. In particular, his portrayal of love, women, and human nature stands out for its emotional depth and philosophical insight. Two powerful examples of this are the character Ruth from Martin Eden and Maud Brewster from The Sea – Wolf. Both women serve as emotional and intellectual centers of their respective narratives, offering insight into the author`s view of strength, love, and individuality. There are several key similarities between these two female characters. Both Ruth and Maud embody the ideal woman in the eyes of any man - well-mannered, educated, determined, beautiful, and from respectable, intellectual families. Despite living in a time when women were often seen as a step below men in society, especially during the bourgeois era, these 125 ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE International scientific-online conference women confidently engaged in discussions on art, literature, philosophy, and other fields as equals to men. Each of them serves as a beacon of hope, pulling a man out of despair and guiding him toward inspiration and growth. With their feminine grace and intelligence, they rescue the male characters from emotional and psychological collapse – and calling it a salvation is no exaggeration. While Ruth and Maud share certain qualities, their characters and worldviews differ significantly. Ruth, from Martin Eden, is portrayed as an idealistic woman who upholds traditional values and often represents the social and cultural middle ground. She struggles to fully embrace the profound changes experienced by the male protagonist, Martin, and at times seems confined by her own idealistic outlook1. In contrast, Maud Brewster, from The Sea-Wolf, emerges as a courageous, independent thinker who confronts harsh realities head-on. She stands firm against the cruelty of Wolf Larsen and refuses to compromise her princeples, demonstrating strength and resilience uncommon in women of her era2. Moreover, Ruth`s character is rooted more deeply in themes of spiritual and romantic devotion; she symbolizes acceptance and love on personal level. Maud, however, embodies not only love but also the struggle for survival and awakening of consciosness. Jack London himself describes Maud as “not merely a woman of charm, but a force to reckon with in the face of life`s storms”(The Sea-Wolf)3. Ruth`s gentleness and emotional depth make her a softer figure, often embodying conventional ideals, which sometimes limits her capacity for embracing change4. Meanwhile, Maud`s boldness and intellectual independence set her apart as a symbol of strength and defiance. These distinctions highlight how London used these two female characters to explore different facets of womanhood and how women coul inmfluence the men in their lives – whether through nuturing idealism or fostering courage and self-reliance. One of the most important aspects is that Maud is able to stand by and protect her live untill the very end. She endures all hardships – even the cruelty of Wolf Larsen – to support Humphrey, proving her loyalty and emotional strength. Her unwavering support leads them to eventual 126 ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE International scientific-online conference happiness and freedom. In contrast, Ruth cannot follow through with her love. She is more influenced by the opinions of others and ultimately abandons Martin in his darkest moments. As a result, Martin, feeling that life has lost its meaning, takes his own life, and their love ends in a tragic, disillusioned way. This stark contrast reveals that Maud represents true courage and commitment, wh