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Gender in literature
Gender issues in literature
Gender in literature
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Compare The Successes And Failures Of Patriarchy In Colonialism, In “The Tempest”, “Translations” And “Things Fall Apart”.
In “The Tempest”, “Translations” and “Things Fall Apart”, the theme of patriarchy is evident in various aspects. For instance, there is patriarchy present when Prospero controls and dominates Caliban and Miranda in “The Tempest”. Likewise, in “Translations”, the theme of patriarchy is also present with Hugh’s dominance over Manus and Manus’s dominance of Sarah. In “Things Fall Apart”, patriarchy is also apparent, primarily seen with Okonkwo controlling his wives and children. Writers bring out the theme of patriarchy in different settings, due to colonisation, such as the colonisation of the Irish and Igbo tribe. This influences the success and failure of patriarchy as the characters will have to act in accordance to their environment and the conditions in which colonisation takes place. Prospero and Okonkwo represent the patriarchal period of the time, whereas Hugh represents old traditions.
The way in which both authoritarian figures dominate the lower classes are similar. They strongly adhere to the Great Chain of Beings, in which it categorised a strict religious hierarchical order, which saw women below men and beasts below women, thus in both cases men having complete dominance. Prospero exercises his control through Caliban, with his coarse use of language and his ability to make him complete domesticated duties, such as when Prospero tells Miranda that one of his tasks is to ‘fetch in the wood’. Hugh employs exactly the same technique, by making Manus complete domesticated duties, such as ‘get him food – get him a drink’. Both dominant figures subjugate others, in order to increase their social stand...
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...the introduction of the English forces introduces another level of patriarchy. It is clear that patriarchy is a dominant theme in both texts, and it beautifies the flow of each story in a unique approach. Despite all the similarities and differences between characters, the success and failures comes down solely to the audience viewing it.
1. However, a Jacobean audience may sympathise with Prospero as he was an archetypal father and authoritative figure.
2. Comments that it is ‘right to be masculine and violent’
3. ‘then they came to the tree, from which O was dangling, and they stopped dead.
4. Prospero’s chauvinistic treatment of Miranda
Bibliography
• Chinua Achebe
• Loreto Tod
• Michael de Montaigne – on cannibals
• Bach - 392
• The Tempest Arden Shakespeare Vaughn
• Translations Brian Friel
• Things Fall Apart Chinua Achebe
• Vaughn
Both texts demonstrate the consequences associated with patriarchy, and extend to show that equality, and proper treatment of women can only be achieved in a non-patriarchal society.
Through the actions of the male hegemony and the mother figure, both plays show the different perspectives both sexes have towards homosexuality. The patriarchal figures, show an intolerant and abusive perspective whereas the mother figures show a more understanding way of coping with the identities of their sons. By seeing the reactions of both males and females, it is to say that the maternal figures of the play show a more comprehensive attitude towards the struggles that the male protagonist undergo. Both plays are related to today´s society, because there are still families in which homosexuality is not accepted. People are still
Each play represents the issues faced by each gender during the time period in which it was written. However, many of the issues are similar in each time period, as well as throughout most of history. These issues will likely continue to affect both women and men for a long time in the future.
Many readers feel the tendency to compare Aphra Behn's Oroonoko to William Shakespeare's Othello. Indeed they have many features in common, such as wives executed by husbands, conflicts between white and black characters, deceived heroes, the absolute vulnerability of women, etc. Both works stage male characters at both ends of their conflicts. In Othello, the tragic hero is Othello, and the villain is Iago. In Oroonoko, the hero is Oroonoko, the vice of the first part is the old king, and the second part white men in the colony. In contrast to their husbands, both heroines—Desdemona and Imoinda—seem more like "function characters" who are merely trapped in their husband's fates, occasionally becoming some motivation of their husbands (like Desdemona is Othello's motivation to rage, Imoinda's pregnancy drives Oroonoko restless to escape). While Shakespeare and Behn put much effort in moulding them, to many readers they are merely "perfect wives". This paper aims to argue that, Desdemona and Imoinda's perfect wifehood may be the product of compliance to male-dominated societies, where women are
Gender and Race are both used by Imperialist empires to justify their actions. Both of them go hand-in- hand in justifying the ability of an imperialist nations to interfere with and take over other cultures. In Kipling’s White Man’s Burden, Forster’s Passage to India, Silko’s Ceremony, Limerick’s Legacy of Conquest, and Kent’s Gender and power in Britain , 1640-1990, Gender is used as a justification to defend a gender in another country, and to “teach” them how to “live”. Additionally, Race is used as justification managing another country; the reason to keep races and minorities separated, and as justification for actions during ethical incidents. Race and Gender are used as justifications for intervention and takeover of other nations by
There is one common aspect to all of Prospero's relationships in the play: he exploits every character, despite his attempts to hide this fact. For example, Prospero utilizes Caliban as a slave, making him cut wood:
When it comes to post-colonial literature, most initially think about the colonization of other countries and how it has affected the natives. Though it is the most well known form of post-colonial literature, it is not the most wide-spread. By slightly altering the framing in which one looks at it, the idea that feminist literature by women from a patriarchal society is post-colonial literature begins to make sense.
In the play, The Tempest by William Shakespeare, Prospero took control of Caliban and made him his servant. Prospero was able to do this because he viewed Caliban as an uncivilized being; Caliban was portrayed as a beast. Thus, Prospero was able to assume power over Caliban. It can be seen from Prospero’s speech that he thinks that Caliban is inferior to him when Prosper says, “I have used thee, Filth as thou art, with human care […]” (1.2.348-349). Prospero tries to justify enslaving Caliban, but all he really does is place Caliban into a category of bestial and uncivilized and as a result enslaves him.
...ith humane care, and lodged their in mine own cell, till thou did’st seek to violate the honour of my child”(Act I, Scene II, 343-348). Prospero believed that Caliban had this coming to him, and should he had been a vengeful man could have killed him. From these examples we see that Prospero perceives his power over all since he had spared them from horrible existences and given then a taste of the civilized world. Lastly, Prospero believed so deeply that since he was the first noble to set foot on the island that it was his right to claim it as his own. For before him this isle was nothing till he brought his language, education, and culture to it.
It is in Caliban’s nature to accept a little and work as a slave. He does not want to possess people as his servant or take advantage of his work as Ferdinand. Caliban does not want to assassinate Prospero, for the purpose of winning the throne of Prospero or owning his daughter, but he just to move him from one master to another. The only freedom in his slavery is he chooses his master. Caliban says: “ 'Ban, 'Ban, Ca-caliban / Has a new master. Get a new man” (2.2.174-75). He does not have a hope for better as Ferdinand. He tells Stephano “Ay, lord. She will become thy bed, I warrant. / And bring thee forth brave brood” (3.2.101-02). He wants his new master (Stephano) enjoy his life and marry Miranda. Caliban, as the half beast, follows his sexual desire as Prospero’s says: “to violate / the honor of my child” (1.2.350). Caliban sexual desire “estranges him from his foster father, Prospero, and causes him to be imprisoned in the rock. When a more appropriate suitor appears in the person of Ferdinand, Prince of Naples, Prospero will be sure to stress the importance of chastity before marriage” (Garber
Another way that the treatment of Caliban by Prospero is similar to the treatment of Native Americans by the Europeans is the adaptation of the language. When the Europeans came to the New World they forced the Native Americans to learn their languages and live according to the European culture. People who had spoken one language all their lives, now had to learn another. They had to live by customs they have never heard of even before. In the Tempest, Prospero does this also. When Prospero came to the island he forced Caliban to learn the language that he spoke. Caliban had to adapt to a style of living that he had never experienced before. Caliban had to change completely to adapt to the life forced upon him.
William Shakespeare’s The Tempest provides dialogue that portrays the social expectations and stereotypes imposed upon women in Elizabethan times. Even though the play has only one primary female character, Miranda, the play also includes another women; Sycorax, although she does not play as large a roll. During many scenes, the play illustrates the characteristics that represent the ideal woman within Elizabethan society. These characteristics support the fact that men considered women as a mere object that they had the luxury of owning and were nowhere near equal to them. Feminists can interpret the play as a depiction of the sexist treatment of women and would disagree with many of the characteristics and expectations that make Miranda the ideal woman. From this perspective, The Tempest can be used to objectify the common expectations and treatment of women within the 16th and 17th Centuries and compare and contrast to those of today.
...nd Antonio to Caliban and Prospero, a wide standard of power and influence is set up for the reader to follow. Ultimately, however, it is Prospero who is highlighted as the true craftsman of control and power.
Prospero does have power over others in many ways though. He has obtained his subjects through the powers that his books give him, but he cannot make his subjects be pleased about it. Caliban clearly does not love Prospero and
William Shakespeare’s play The Tempest tells a story involving unjust acts, and Caliban trying to take over Prospero’s power of authority, Prospero’s mission to was to build righteousness and honesty by returning himself to rule. The idea of justice and injustice that the play works toward seems extremely independent meanwhile the impression of the play shows the view of one character who controls the purpose and fate of others.