Gender Roles in Modern Literature Essay Example
Gender Roles in Modern Literature Essay Example

Gender Roles in Modern Literature Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (663 words)
  • Published: July 30, 2021
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Modern literature questions the conventional idea of a "Happily ever after" and examines the belief that love is eternal.

Throughout history, male authors have portrayed the oppression of women's thoughts and emotions. Notable examples include Ernest Hemingway and Charlotte Perkins Gilman. In their works "Hills like White Elephants" and "The Yellow Wallpaper," they present women who are governed by their partners, potentially leading to marital discontent. In "The Yellow Wallpaper," the male character takes on the roles of both a husband and a physician, further amplifying his control over the female protagonist...

The text examines the theme of male dominance in two distinct narratives. In "The Yellow Wallpaper," the protagonist, Jane, is subjected to her husband's authority and decision-making power. She is treated as if she were a child and denied agency over her own choices. Despite d

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esiring stimulating and diverse work, Jane unquestioningly defers to her husband's opinions. He fails to grasp why she should suffer needlessly. Ernest Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants" presents a similar power dynamic with Jig being subservient to the American. Even in mundane situations like ordering a drink, Jig relies on the American's ability to communicate in another language.

According to Hemingway (139), a table is situated in the shade where an American and a girl are seated. It is noteworthy that the girl is specifically referred to as "the girl" rather than a woman or lady. Both of these pieces of literature illustrate the transition from girlhood to womanhood, which frequently involves gaining power. Nevertheless, in both instances, men perceive these women as lacking power. For example, in one narrative, the character named Jig is depicted as incapable of independently deciding

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whether or not to terminate her pregnancy.

She loses her strength and becomes recognized as a girl instead of a woman. This gives the American the determination to return to normality where things will be like they were before (Hemingway 141). John fulfills multiple roles, including husband, doctor, and caregiver, but remains unaware of how serious his wife's illness has become. He is not only selfish but also stubborn in his own diagnosis of Jane's condition as "temporary nervous depression - a slight hysterical tendency" (Gilman 77). His words constantly occupy her mind, causing her to ignore the truth and seek solace in the darkness that he provides. If he simply listened to his wife, he would recognize her mental instability and provide the necessary care to restore her mental function.

The narrator's journal in "The Yellow Wallpaper" expresses relief that her case is not severe (Gilman 77). Similarly, the American character in the same story exhibits stubbornness like John, saying, "I believe it is the best thing to do. However, I don't want you to do it if you don't truly want to" (Hemingway 141). The recurring theme of their discontentment stems from this particular issue (Hemingway 141), but Jig desires to regain happiness and establish a lasting marriage. Meanwhile, the self-centered nature of the American character causes her to lose her first child with a man she fully dedicates herself to.

Both authors emphasize the prevailing concept of gender roles, in which men oppress women and prevent them from experiencing true reality and happiness. The idea of settling down and starting a family terrifies him, as he derives comfort from the knowledge that he

can leave whenever he desires. However, the arrival of a baby disrupts his plans for escape and leaves the mother without a husband. While the two works share common themes, they also present contrasting resolutions. In "Hills Like White Elephants," Hemingway intentionally withholds crucial information, such as the American's name, leaving it to the audience to determine the ending.

The indication is that the baby was terminated because of the American's persistent belief that their relationship would be happier without a child. Jig desired this newfound happiness and, after being repeatedly influenced and controlled by the American, she prioritized his well-being over her own.

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