In Azar Nafisi's "Things I've Been Silent About," the author explores how female characters like Sophia Western from "Tom Jones" and Clarissa Harlow from Richardson's work resist societal and parental authority by asserting their right to choose their own husbands. This refusal to conform highlights the empowerment of these characters, allowing them to challenge the conventions of their time despite facing significant barriers in their everyday lives.

Nafisi suggests that the oppression women faced in reality fueled their rebellious spirit in fiction. As they navigated a world filled with restrictions, these literary figures became symbols of resistance, defying traditional roles and asserting their independence. By rejecting the expectations placed upon them, these women signify a broader quest for agency and self-expression, illustrating the power of literature to articulate dissent and inspire change.