Feminist Criticism In Bonnie Jo Campbell's 'Sleepover'

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Feminist Criticism When reading literature through the eyes of a femenist critique the reader must focus on the women 's roles in the story as well their role in society. Feminism can be defined as "the belief that women and men are, and have been, treated differently by our society, and that women have frequently and systematically been unable to participate fully in all social arenas and institutions." This social oppression of women is a timless concept and is immensely present in Hills like White Elephants, Sleepover, and Pilon. However when reading these short stories from a formalist perspective one could argue that this oppression does not exist in these pieces of literature. Formalist focus on structure and what is blatantly written …show more content…

Campbell tells the story of two friends who invite boys over and begin to get intimate with these companions. In both cases the male is the aggressor and initiates this physical interaction. At one point one of the boys tells the young girl that she would be prefect if her face were to be on her friend 's body, this statement is incredibly dehumanizing. By telling a women this it reveals that she is seen as an item that is up for alteration in order to fit the ideals of the man. Not only does this story express how women are dehumanized it illustrates how they are not valued. This devaluing of women is a common practice in today 's society and has been around for decades. The male dominance and mentality has caused women for generations to be seen and treated as lesser …show more content…

Cisneros explains that before puberty girls are free spirited, careless, and not focused on their appearance. She describes this time, before girls realize they are viewed as objects, in a very positive manor to emphasize the negative impact that objectifying women has on a girls life. The social impact men can have on a woman 's life is tremendous, and consuming. Once girls realize they are being looked at and judged on their appearance they begin to be self-conscious, which changes not only their behavior but their view on society and themselves. This story once again reveals the relationship between women and the dominant male in society through showing how a girl 's entire perspective is altered due to the actions of

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