A Woman’s Voice: A Literary Analysis

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Recommended: Women in English literature

Throughout history, society has been predominately patriarchal. The male is seen as the primary authority figure. This system is often displayed in many family structures and there is nothing wrong with patriarchy; however when it leads to kyriarchy, it becomes an issue. Women, past and present, are often viewed as second rate citizens. Over half the work force around the world consists of women and yet they are paid 77 cents to a dollar of what a man earns (Shane). Women have a voice and deserve to be heard. When analyzing works such as “Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemmingway, the poem “Stations” by Audre Lorde, and “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston, one can observe the common theme of women finding their voice, discovering strength and standing up for what’s right.
One story that hits home for many young women would be “Hills like White Elephants”. In the story, a young man and woman are having drinks at a train station and her boyfriend is trying to persuade her to have an abortion. Although it is not revealed what she decides and there is much speculation between literar...

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