Men vs. Women in "The Homecoming" by Harold Pinter and "Oleanna" by David Mamet

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Final Paper Men vs. Women in "The Homecoming" by Harold Pinter and "Oleanna" by David Mamet The Homecoming and Oleanna are powerfully moving dramas that act like mirrors, thus portraying both situations and characters that are significantly relevant to contemporary society. They both, for example, address issues that are current and related within today's society, while performing such difficulties within settings that are familiar to the majority of people. As such, the plays become personal, reflecting many of the problems that face both men and women in the modern world, while also portraying the way in which every person is influenced by the order of a society that is deeply set into concepts that are primarily male. The decade in which the story was written and first staged is important to its interpretation. The 1960s was a time in which women's liberations was a prominent movement. There is definitely a statement being made about women’s liberation. It might not have been the only theme, but it was certainly was one to be known. The entire plot line seems like a struggle of power between the sexes, especially women. Ruth comes from America, and her life with Teddy there reflects the ideal of the perfect life for a woman; they live calmly in the suburbs with their three sons. Ruth's husband Teddy is a philosophy professor, and well established and seems accomplished. In the traditional idea, Ruth has everything she could ask for. Then Teddy takes Ruth (sans the three sons) to London for the first time to meet his family. His mother Jessie is deceased, leaving behind his father Max, his Uncle Sam, and his brothers Lenny and Joey. Here we see another side of a sexist family structure where there is some sort of exclusion of women. Lenny is a lady’s man. Joey is a would-be boxer. The running of the family takes place under threats of violence and a

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