The conflict theory is used to criticize society, rather than explain it. Humanity is seen to be organized into groups depending on their social status, or power. In “The Family Stone” when Everett brings his girlfriend Meredith home for the first time there is a clear imbalance between the powers of her as an individual verses that of the Stones. Before Meredith had even arrived at the house there was a certain impression of her based on the opinion of Everett’s sister, Amy, who openly expressed her dislike for Meredith. When she came into their home there was an obvious difference, she was very proper, anxious, and stressed.
“Marks” is a poem about a woman who is constantly being judged from multiple standards on her performances as a day to day mother. Her family takes care of setting these standards, differing from her husband, son, and daughter. Even though she receives fairly good marks from her family “[she’s] dropping out].”(12) The speaker is trying to show us that one who is constantly being judged by others may take a turn that shows they can defeat the system. The speaker makes it clear that she herself takes care of many of the family duties. She had to make “last night’s supper”(2), iron her family’s clothes, and satisfy her husband’s needs in bed.
English 101/096.03 Date: 02/10/2012 Assignment: First Draft of “The rage behind a woman’s stare” Stories being compared: “I want a wife” Woman’s rights are still considered a controversial issue in an equal partnership and how their duties in the household are unappreciated in today’s world. In Judy Brady’s essay, “I Want a Wife” lists the responsibilities of the stereotypical wife in the 1970’s. The overall purpose of this story was to show the readers how wives were not classified as a person, but a tool that responds to their husband’s needs. Through Brady’s role reversal as “the mind of the husband”, she lists countless expectations that a husband wants in a perfect wife/mother and later proves in the story that wives are mistreated and aren’t considered an object that women can take advantage of, but human beings that demand respect. Comparing to “I Want a Wife”, the story “The rage behind a woman’s stare” talks about women who are unappreciated for the duties and responsibilities they accomplish around the household.
Negron 1 Negron 2 March 2013 Silenced Abuse in Modern Day Relationships Relationships can either be fulfilling or demeaning. Although some relationships can be abusive, some women may still have a love/hate relationship with their partner. While reading the Story of an Hour, and The 1950’s guide to being a Good Wife, I noticed a pattern of behavior that women of that time followed. I also thought about my own experience in a past relationship. I have discovered that, after reading the material, that even present day women, like past women from the 1800’s and the 1950’s, including myself, have silently suffered while still loving our partners.
In Judy Brady’s essay “Why I Want a Wife,” the author begins by talking about a male friend of hers who had recently divorced and is now in search of another wife. The author then proceeds by questioning why she would want a wife if she were a man, giving reasons throughout the whole essay. Brady uses argument to persuade the reader mainly about gender inequality, how society has always and continues to underestimate women in every aspect. The roles of a woman have changed throughout time, being a good housewife, a fellow companion and a mother was all it mattered before. Today, women are able to pursue an education, to work and to be somewhat more independent, although there continues to be discrimination.
Hope Edelman’s Struggles Through Marriage In the essay, “The Myth of Co-Parenting: How It Was Supposed to Be. How It Was.” Hope Edelman discusses the difficulties of parenting with a spouse who was seldom present. She also describes her childhood relationship with her parents and how it affects her present relationship with her husband and daughter. This situation is common amongst families today and puts strains on all members in the relationship. The author is a loving wife and parent who experiences complications in her family relationships because of her husband, John, who is spending less time with her and spending more time at work.
In the fifties, women were supposed to stay home and society gave them no choice about working. A woman’s family structure while growing up helps her make a decision because of the role their mothers played in the household. If the mother works, then the daughter will work, too. On the other hand, if the mother stays home, the woman may be influenced to do the same, even if she went to an elite college. A father has a major role in a girl’s life because, if he wants his wife to stay home and not work, he may want his daughter to stay home, too.
Home, to most people, is where they sleep, eat, live. However, Pham discovers this isn't where his home is. He discovers that home is wherever you feel accepted and surrounded by people that love you. Pham's mother comes from the old world where culture and family are what make a home special. She “comes from the old world, where mothers are lifelong housewives who expect to be near their children all their lives”(27).
Stargoddess English 1301 Working Versus Stay At Home Moms Many women today are facing choices that their mothers never had to face. One of these choices is whether or not to go back to work after having a child. When society thinks of the subject of working mothers, many differing opinions come to mind. What will happen to the child, will the mother have sufficient time to bond with the baby, and will household chores be divided, and so on. On the flip side, stay at home moms have the benefits of raising the values and morals preferred, seeing all the milestones, etc.
A Thin Line between Marriage and Communication Being married takes commitment, compromising, and oral commination skills. Both parties need to share their individual feelings and thoughts to know each other’s wants and needs. The perfect love goes wrong by lack of communication in any relationship, which leads to failure. In the short story “Shiloh,” Bobbie Ann Mason is able to glimpse the beginning of the end of a marriage. Leroy and Norma Jean Moffit are a young couple who has reached a crossroad in their marriage.