the bleeding heart

the bleeding heart book by marilyn french

dive deep into a passionate and thought-provoking exploration of love, power, and feminism with marilyn frenchs compelling novel, the bleeding heart. first published in 1980, this work of fiction delves into the complexities of a relationship between two americans in england who find love, only to be confronted by their deeply ingrained, opposing worldviews. with a page count of 377 for its hardcover edition, this book falls into the genres of literary fiction and feminist romance, offering a rich narrative that challenges and captivates readers. the bleeding heart is more than just a love story; it is a profound examination of the societal structures that shape our personal lives and intimate connections.

about the author marilyn french

marilyn french (1929-2009) was a prominent american author and radical feminist whose work left an indelible mark on 20th-century literature and feminist thought. while she is most widely celebrated for her groundbreaking 1977 novel, the womens room, frenchs entire body of work consistently challenged patriarchal norms and explored the oppression of women in a male-dominated society. an academic with a ph.d. from harvard university, she brought intellectual rigor and fierce passion to her writing, dissecting the intricate dynamics of gender and power in both her fiction and non-fiction works.

the bleeding heart summary

the bleeding heart tells the powerful story of dolores durer and victor morrissey, two successful americans who find themselves adrift in england. dolores is a divorced english professor and a staunch feminist who, after a traumatic marriage, has sworn off love and its potential for devastation. victor is a successful, but unhappily married, business executive. their meeting on a train sparks an instant and undeniable connection, leading to a passionate and intense affair. however, their newfound love is immediately tested by their fundamental disagreements on life, politics, and the very nature of power dynamics between men and women.

from the outset, they know their time together is limited to just one year. this finite timeline adds a layer of urgency and poignancy to their relationship. as they navigate their affair, the narrative delves into their pasts, revealing the personal histories that shaped their conflicting ideologies. dolores sees male domination as an insidious force in every aspect of society, while victor views power as a potentially creative and liberating tool that women have yet to fully embrace. their love story becomes a battleground of ideas, a passionate debate between two people who are deeply in love but stand on opposite sides of a philosophical divide. the bleeding heart is a compelling and often heart-wrenching novel that explores whether love can truly conquer all, especially when faced with irreconcilable principles.

frequently asked questions about the bleeding heart

1. what are the main themes in the bleeding heart?

   the central themes of the novel revolve around the complexities of love and relationships within a patriarchal society. it deeply explores the conflict between feminist ideals and traditional romantic expectations, the nature of power dynamics between men and women, and the lasting impact of past trauma on present relationships. the book also serves as a critique of societal structures and the devastating power of marriage as an institution.

2. is the bleeding heart a sequel to the womens room?

   no, the bleeding heart is not a sequel to the womens room. while both novels are written by marilyn french and explore feminist themes, they feature different characters and storylines. the womens room follows the lives of mira and her friends in america, while the bleeding heart focuses on the affair between dolores and victor in england.

3. who are the main characters in the book?

   the two main characters are dolores durer and victor morrissey. dolores is a divorced american professor of english living in england. scarred by a past abusive marriage, she holds strong feminist convictions. victor is a successful american electronics executive, also in england for work, who is trapped in an unhappy marriage.

4. what is the significance of the title the bleeding heart?

   the title the bleeding heart can be interpreted in several ways. it refers to the emotional vulnerability of the main characters, dolores and victor, as they open themselves up to love despite their past pains. it also evokes the derogatory term bleeding heart liberal, hinting at doloress passionate, idealistic, and deeply felt feminist and social principles, which are central to the novels conflicts.

5. is the bleeding heart still relevant today?

   absolutely. although published in 1980, the novels exploration of gender politics, the search for equality within intimate relationships, and the debate over the nature of power are timeless. the conversations and conflicts between dolores and victor about male dominance, female independence, and societal expectations continue to resonate with contemporary discussions about feminism and relationships.