Statement 1: Penny magazines, aimed at women, became platforms for sharing ideas about proper behavior and domestic life.

Role of Penny Magazines: Penny magazines became popular in the 19th century and were specifically targeted toward women. They featured content that discussed proper behavior, household management, and social expectations. This allowed women to read about issues pertinent to their lives and to share their thoughts and experiences.

Empowerment: By providing accessible reading material, these magazines empowered women to engage with literature and social issues actively. They became a means for women to express their views on domesticity, morality, and the changing roles of women in society.

Statement 2:

Challenges Faced by Women Writers: This statement is false because, while women did face barriers in publishing and societal expectations that limited their roles, many women found ways to write and publish their works. The rise of penny magazines, along with other publications, opened new avenues for female authors.

Contributions to Literature: Women like Jane Austen, George Eliot, and the Brontë sisters became prominent authors during this time, challenging the norms and expectations placed on them. Their works explored themes of independence, social class, and the complexities of female identity, contributing significantly to literature and the portrayal of women.

Cultural Significance:

The emergence of women as readers and writers during the 19th century marked a significant shift in societal views about gender roles. Women began to assert their voices in literature and public discourse, paving the way for future generations and contributing to movements for women's rights and education.

Hence option A is correct

Compulsory Education: By the late 19th century, many countries began implementing laws that required children to attend school. This meant that a larger number of children became literate and could read books.

Emergence of Children's Literature: With more children able to read, publishers recognized an opportunity to create books specifically for them. This included not only fairy tales and adventure stories but also educational materials that were age-appropriate.

Content Changes: To cater to this new audience, the content of children’s books was carefully curated. Anything deemed unsuitable, vulgar, or overly complex for young readers was modified or excluded.

Impact on Society: This shift had a profound impact on society by promoting literacy among children, which laid the foundation for a more educated population. It also emphasized the importance of childhood as a distinct phase of life, deserving of its own literature and culture.

Hence option B is correct

The famous novelists mentioned in the text were Jane Austen, George Eliot, and the Brontë sisters (Charlotte, Emily, Anne). These writers were crucial in redefining women’s roles in literature by creating strong, independent female characters. Their novels often dealt with women’s social challenges, personal growth, and the struggle for independence.

Jane Austen (1775–1817) is best known for her novels like "Pride and Prejudice" and "Sense and Sensibility", which portrayed strong, intelligent women who navigated the complexities of society and marriage.

George Eliot was the pen name of Mary Ann Evans (1819–1880). She used a male pseudonym to ensure her work was taken seriously. Her novel "Middlemarch" is a landmark in English literature, focusing on the inner lives and struggles of women in society.

The Brontë sisters, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, wrote novels like "Jane Eyre" and "Wuthering Heights", which explored themes of passion, independence, and social criticism through strong female protagonists.

Why Not Mary Shelley?:

Mary Shelley (1797–1851) was also a famous novelist, best known for writing "Frankenstein". However, she was not mentioned in this specific list. Shelley was part of an earlier literary generation, and her works focused more on themes like science, creation, and morality, whereas the other writers mentioned here were particularly influential in portraying women as complex, strong, and independent individuals.

Hence option D is correct