5 epic life lessons we can learn from literary heroines

There is no doubt about the fact that books are treasure troves of knowledge and wisdom. Reading a wide range of books helps expand your general knowledge. Furthermore, certain characters in books - both male and female - catch our attention and we start admiring them and looking up to them. And so, here we share 5 epic life lessons we can learn from literary heroines.

One of the most loved heroines in English literature, Elizabeth is honest and witty, which allows her to rise above the patriarchal society surrounding us. From the beginning itself, she was clear that she will marry only for love, not for money or societal advancement. This also resulted in many arguments with her family.

Her famous quote: “There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.”

Apart from being extremely intelligent and clever, Hermione also proves that she can always be relied on. She is very compassionate, values friends, and always confronts bullies.

Her famous quote: "Excuse me, I don’t like people just because they are handsome."

Though this novel by Thomas Hardy was written more than 150 years ago, its female protagonist - Bathsheba - is truly independent. She doesn't like the idea of a marriage without love and is determined to decide her own destiny.

Her famous quote: “Well, what I mean is that I shouldn't mind being a bride at a wedding, if I could be one without having a husband. But since a woman can't show off in that way by herself, I shan't marry - at least yet.”

A skilled and fearless hacker, Lisbeth's personality and language always lead to people misjudging her. However, through her intelligence and foresight, she attains the freedom she craves.

Her famous quote: “Keep in mind that I'm crazy, won't you?”

Jane, a plain and honest woman, is the narrator of this novel. Though she is subjected to hardship and oppression, she succeeds in asserting herself and maintaining principles of dignity and justice. She is a strong proponent of social equality and values emotional and intellectual fulfillment.

Her famous quote: “I can live alone, if self-respect, and circumstances require me so to do. I need not sell my soul to buy bliss. I have an inward treasure born with me, which can keep me alive if all extraneous delights should be withheld, or offered only at a price I cannot afford to give.”