Daughter of Venice Literary Elements

Novel

The novel was set in the 1500s

First-person narrative

Resentful, unhappy, gloomy

The protagonist of the story is Donata.

The major conflict is when Donata's father finds a husband for her, but she does not want an arranged marriage because she is already in love with a poor boy called Noe. Dana comes from a wealthy family.

The climax comes when her parents support Donata to go to university to study philosophy and pursue her happiness. Despite coming from a patriarchal society, Donata is allowed to pursue her dreams as a woman and find her business without the influence of her father.

Donata's disguise as a poor boy to freely wander in town foreshadowed her freedom and future happiness.

Women empowerment is understated in the story. On the contrary, Donata proves that women can do well in university and be fruitful economically. The patriarchal society believes that a woman's place is domestic but not studying and competing with men.

The story alludes to the challenges women faced in a patriarchal society and shows the challenges women faced while fighting for their freedom and equal treatment in society.

The noble imagery introduces the book when the author describes Donata as a privileged girl from a wealthy Venetian Royalty. Consequently, Donata is expected to protect the image of the royal family by strictly observing rules. As a result, Donata's freedom is restricted.

Donata finds it satirical that despite her family’s authority and fame, she is restricted to remain at home instead of using power at her exposure to be free.

Donata’s story parallels to misfortunate circumstances women found themselves in a patriarchal society.

Donata’s aggression to attain education refers to women liberation in the ancient centuries that demeaned the capability of women.

Poverty is personified as futile when Donata disguises herself as a poor boy to roam freely in the town.