Wilde explores the subject of morality frequently within the play and the conflicting ideas surrounding the topic. Wilde particularly explores the idea of women ‘falling from grace’. This can be seen in the character of Mrs Arbuthnot. The character is quite obviously a good, strong woman who has taken her misfortunes in stride and not let them bring her down too much, as well as raising her son to also be a good person. Many people would argue that the blame for her misfortune should solely lay on Lord Illingworth, who, it is obvious to the audience, used her for his own pleasure and satisfaction, abusing her love and trust.
AJP Taylor, for example, argues that the war ‘smoothed the way for democracy’ and so there are other factors of significance, such as, suffrage campaign groups (WSPU & NUWSS) and growing equality with men. Whilst this essay will recognise the importance of the view that WWI was significant to women receiving the vote, it intends to argue that AJP Taylor’s analysis is best supported by existing evidence and as such is the most accurate view. Paragraph 1: Isolated factor (WWI) In this paragraph, you should be showing balance but ultimately arguing that even though WWI played a role in women gaining the vote, it was NOT THE ONLY REASON. In 1914, when the First World War broke out, men were required to fight for King and country. This left a large void in the workforce and allowed women to secure employment in a range of industries; from making shells
Larkin describes one of the girls to be ‘a bosomy English rose’ and the other ‘in specs’, who we feel is less attractive. Larkin objectifies one of the women and pictures her as a sexual object due to her looks, the other women he ‘could talk to’ suggesting this time Larkin is manipulating her personality. In the second stanza Larkin mentions ‘a ten guinea ring’, one could argue this could be a sign of marriage but not actually conforming to her, however this is ambiguous, as we do no know what girl hold this ring. What I find most significant about the ring is the fact Larkin goes against his views on consumerism to try and seduce a women. Nevertheless Larkin ‘got it back in the end’ which illustrates Larkin not fully conforming to her results in rejection.
Nurse Ratched manipulates the patients into thinking that the group therapy and such is what is best for them, however she uses techniques such as making the patients belittle each other to “make them better”. “It was better than she dreamed. They were all shouting out to out do one another going further and further no way of stopping, telling things that wouldn't ever let them look one another in the eyes again. The Nurse nodding at each confession and saying Yes, yes, yes”(p.51). By the nurse saying yes, and by her encouraging the patients to out do each other it is showing that she is gaining enjoyment from their pain even though she is telling them that it is for the betterment of them.
The ideal of beauty has become a form of oppression by men and also self-oppression. This makes women feel inferior because they can never achieve the perfect image. Women are always disapproving every part of their bodies, scrutinizing every imperfection. Women are looked at by the different parts of their bodies while men are looked at as a whole. For example, the word “butterface”, which means overall the woman is attractive “but her face”.
The Role of Women in the Odyssey and King Lear This essay will examine Homer’s epic, The Odyssey and William Shakespeare’s tragedy, King Lear in order to explain how the female gender is constructed in relation to the protagonists in each of the texts. It will demonstrate how the denial or acceptance of the common female role makes an important statement about the relationship between masculine and feminine identity. The texts assert that a complete balance of masculine and feminine qualities is needed to ensure that the protagonists Odysseus and King Lear remain successful in their endeavors. This will be supported using the primary archetypes of the unconscious mind characterized by psychiatrist Carl Jung: the anima (female self) and the animus (male self).Both texts present the ideal female role as a motherly figure that is nurturing, caring and graceful. In doing so, the texts serve to make the cautionary statement of how the deviation of the female from this role may allow the male protagonist’s plans to go awry.
I believe, Jane represents a new type of hero the revolutionary feminist ideology of equality between men and women. Jane realizes that she holds something more important than beauty or accomplishment, she is an intellect, and through Blanche, Jane learns the true value of her character, and her importance to society. Another way in which Bronte, portrays the role of Blanche, is when Rochester gives her complete attention," I saw his attentions appropriated to a great lady…" he seeks her company and her affection alluding to their marriage, he openly confesses his intentions on marrying her to Jane. Rochester manipulates Blanche; she served him as a catalyst to strengthen his relationship with Jane. He deceives Blanche and dupes her into believing an affinity
I feel inspired to see how open-minded Euripides was about a controversial topic that still causes problems in the 21st century. While his time period was archaic, his ideals were revolutionary as he favoured women; explaining his admiration of her hardships through Medea. It is refreshing to see him portraying a female protagonist as strong, independent and even a bit frightful. Finally, another attention-grabbing topic raised in the interactive oral was the contextual consideration of Medea as either a hero or a villain. In my perspective, she gives off characteristics of both, as she rebels against society in order to prove
After all, ambition brings about the success and downfall of Macbeth; Lady Macbeth’s ambition got Macbeth started on success, then his on ambition led him the rest of the way to his eventual downfall. Lady Macbeth’s ambition unquestionably helped convince Macbeth to do the things he did. She had so much ambition she wished she were someone else so she didn’t need her husband to do things for her, “Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here… that
As the play progresses, lady Macbeth loses her evil facade and starts to show signs of strain. Her sudden change in character might seem to shock the audience as she changes from confident and in control, to insecure, desperate and uncontrollable... Shakespear is especially successful in creating Lady Macbeth’s character to appeal to the wide 17th century audience. her controlling, queen-like character at the beginning of the play could please the higher class people as they could relate to her status