# How does What Is to Be Done? develop the theme of Women's Emancipation?

> What Is to Be Done? by Nikolay Chernyshevsky

## Answer

What Is to Be Done? by Nikolay Chernyshevsky develops Women's Emancipation across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

The novel centers on Vera Pavlovna's struggle for independence from her oppressive family and society, her pursuit of education and meaningful work, and her rejection of traditional marriage as a form of ownership.

Viéra's struggle against her mother's plans and her desire for autonomy highlight the theme of women's liberation from patriarchal control.

Viéra's quiet resistance to her mother's plans and her refusal to kiss her hand foreshadow her struggle for independence.

Viéra asserts her autonomy by refusing the arranged sleigh ride and defying her mother's plans.

## Evidence

- [part-i-the-life-of-vi-ra-pavlovna-in-her-parents-family](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/part-i-the-life-of-vi-ra-pavlovna-in-her-parents-family.md): Viéra's struggle against her mother's plans and her desire for autonomy highlight the theme of women's liberation from patriarchal control.
- [i](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/i.md): Viéra's quiet resistance to her mother's plans and her refusal to kiss her hand foreshadow her struggle for independence.
- [iii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/iii.md): Viéra asserts her autonomy by refusing the arranged sleigh ride and defying her mother's plans.
- [v](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/v.md): Julie takes control of the situation, using her intelligence and social power to dictate terms to Storeshnikof, subverting traditional gender roles.
- [part-ii-first-love-and-legal-marriage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/part-ii-first-love-and-legal-marriage.md): Vera's struggle against her family's plans and her decision to enter a marriage of convenience to gain freedom exemplify the pursuit of women's autonomy.
- [iv](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/iv.md): The conversation between Lopukhóf and Viérotchka centers on women's desire to be men, their pitiable condition, and the hope for a future without poverty or gender inequality, hinting at the need for women's liberation.
- [x](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/x.md): Viéra Pavlovna's struggle to become a governess and gain independence from her oppressive family situation.
- [xi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/chapters/xi.md): Vera's desperate desire to escape her home and become a governess illustrates her struggle for independence and self-determination.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/questions/how-women-emancipation
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se
- All questions: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_is_to_be_done_se/questions