Analysing the most important symbols in Angela Carter's The Magic Toyshop and "The Bloody Chamber", and how they are related to patriarchy, femininity, masculinity, and individuality. While both works tell the story of young girls who experience oppression, the two protagonists’ stories have some differences. Melanie, in The Magic Toyshop, has to adapt to an entirely new environment after her parents’ death. Her understanding of femininity is mostly shaped by the controlling Uncle Philip. In “The Bloody Chamber,” the heroine starts a new life by marrying the wealthy Marquis. After disobeying her husband by entering the forbidden chamber, she realises how dangerous their marriage is for her. Melanie has to stay passive during the story, because it is impossible to rebel against her uncle without consequences. However, the protagonist in “The Bloody Chamber” goes against her husband’s words, she takes a step towards knowledge.