Comparative Persuasive Essay Example
Comparative Persuasive Essay Example

Comparative Persuasive Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (871 words)
  • Published: October 13, 2016
  • Type: Article
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Throughout history, there have been numerous instances where men have been considered superior to women in particular areas, leading to the exploitation and demeaning of women. This dominance is often observed within relationships, particularly in marriage. The short stories "Celebration" by W. D. Valgardsen and "Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gibson serve as examples of this male superiority.

Both authors portray male characters as dominant and emphasize the husbands' superiority over their wives. As a result, women are subordinated and lose their ability to act independently. In both stories, the husbands take on controlling roles and demean their wives. In "Celebration," Eric completely dominates the relationship by making choices for his wife and asserting his power. It is also worth mentioning that both Eric and Mabel have a liking for consuming a

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lcohol.

Eric refuses to give Mabel additional alcohol, choosing to keep the rest for himself instead: “Mabel and he had shared the first half but then, seeing how quickly it was being used up, he had decided to keep the rest for himself.” (Valgardson 60). In denying her request for more alcohol, he demonstrates that his decision overrides hers. The warmth in their small house relied on the fire from their fireplace. When Mabel asks Eric to gather more logs to sustain the fire, he declines and instructs her to do it herself: “Get it yourself.” (Valgardson 61). By making her collect firewood alone, he illustrates that he acts according to his own desires and Mabel unquestioningly obeys him.

The wife's role in the relationship is deemed unusual as she solely follows her husband's orders. When she goes to collec

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wood, Eric deliberately locks her outside in the freezing cold, displaying his intent to establish total control by inflicting suffering upon her. Eric's actions throughout the story demonstrate his yearning for dominance. Likewise, "The Yellow Wallpaper" depicts a scenario where one partner asserts dominance over the marriage instead of both.

Dr. Johns' judgments diminish his wife's self-perception as she struggles with a mental illness. He takes actions he believes will improve her well-being but end up exacerbating her condition and pushing her towards madness. Upon reaching their Summer house, the woman asks for a room on the ground floor, but John adamantly refuses, claiming it only has one window and no space for two beds. This demonstrates how John is depriving her of freedom by imposing his decision on her regarding where she must stay.

The woman's needs are disregarded while John's needs are prioritized. Over time, John becomes even more controlling, insisting that she rest before meals. He believes he knows best and dismisses his wife's opinions. Writing helps the woman cope, but John disapproves and pressures her to stop. By preventing her from writing, John deprives her of freedom and prevents her from expressing herself. This worsens her condition. John fails to realize that his dominance and control will ultimately lead to her downfall. Both husbands exert complete dominance over their wives, relegating them to secondary roles. Rather than being equals, both men assume control and make decisions for their wives. This perception of their wives has a powerful impact.

The discussion revolves around the dehumanization of Mabel by Eric in "Celebration," where he compares her to an animal. His

treatment is akin to that of a pet owner punishing their misbehaving pet, resorting to physical retaliation such as kicking her in the back of the leg when she avoids looking at him. Furthermore, Eric gives commands to Mabel as if she were a trained animal, directing her to pick things up. Similarly, he treats her like a dog left outside during a winter storm but eventually allows her back indoors, asserting his ownership over her. This portrayal of Eric's perspective diverges greatly from that of an affectionate partner and mirrors interactions with an unruly puppy. Valgardson showcases how easily a husband's viewpoint can strip his wife of dignity. In contrast, John in "The Yellow Wallpaper" does not see his wife as an animal but rather as a child, failing to recognize her as an independent adult woman.

John introduces the concept when he insists that she stay in the upstairs room, which was once a nursery and later turned into a playroom and gymnasium. Instead of placing her in a more suitable adult environment, he chooses to put her in a child's room. This demonstrates John's control over her as a parental figure, something the woman acknowledges by recognizing his attentiveness and affectionate nature. As a result, she has limited freedom unless given explicit instructions. While this behavior may be acceptable within the context of a father-daughter relationship, it is highly inappropriate for a husband-wife relationship.

John's love and care are necessary but in ways beyond mere supervision and preventing her from making poor choices. When he calls her a "blessed little goose" and embraces her, he treats her like his own

child. She allows him to dominate and begins to doubt her identity as a wife. This places John in a position of power, diminishing the woman's status within the marriage. Valgardson and Gilman demonstrate how effortlessly men can silence women and seize absolute control.

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