6_1_ENG300_Feminism_TheNecklace

.docx

School

Southern New Hampshire University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

300

Subject

English

Date

Apr 3, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by MasterPigeonPerson1046

Brady 1 Nadia L Brady ENG 300 Prof. Adam Meehan 18 Feb 2024 6-1 Final Project II: Milestone II Literary Theory II: "The Necklace" Through A Feminist Lens A . Feminist Literary Theory offers a valuable framework for analyzing how societal norms and power dynamics manifest within literary narratives from a gendered perspective. This paper aims to explore key aspects of feminist critique by analyzing the depictions of women in literature and uncovering hidden messages about gender dynamics and societal expectations. According to Gayle Greene's feminist perspective, womanhood is viewed as a social construct rather than an inherent characteristic, influencing how female characters confront societal norms and question traditional gender roles (Greene). A.H. Wallace's examination of married women in literature as either upholding or defying conventional gender roles prompts a closer look at how female characters navigate societal expectations placed upon them (Wallace). Examining female characters from a Feminist Literary Theory perspective reveals insights into gender, power dynamics, and agency in literature. Authors like Wendy Lee have expanded on this by examining how women navigate their experiences shaped by intersections of gender, race, and class oppression. Through this lens, we can explore how characters challenge societal constraints and prompt critical reflections on gender representations in literature. (Lee). Exploring the intersections of gender, race, and class oppression and adopting an activist stance in literature challenges established paradigms, shedding light on the fluidity

Brady 2 and complexity of gender representations. Feminist Literary Theory offers a comprehensive analysis of gender dynamics, societal expectations, power relations, and representation in literature. (Brewton). B. The short story's protagonist, Mathilde, faces the challenges of a patriarchal society that values material possessions and external appearances over personal fulfillment. Using a Feminist lens, we can explore themes of female agency, societal expectations, and the difficulties women face in a largely male-centric environment. A.H. Wallace's exploration of de Maupassant's admiration for the courage and nobility of married women challenges traditional gender roles, showcasing a positive view of women that goes against conventional societal norms. This perspective adds depth to our understanding of "The Necklace" and emphasizes the complexities of gender dynamics in the text. (Wallace). Feminist Theory emerged as a response to different historical periods' social, political, and economic issues, seeking to dismantle gender-based discrimination and inequality. By applying Feminist Literary Theory to "The Necklace," we can critically analyze the social constraints imposed on women, the implications of societal expectations, and the representation of female characters within a male-dominated society. (Bertens). C. Feminist Literary Theory is a powerful lens through which we can unravel and critique the intricate societal constraints imposed on women in the 19th-century setting depicted in Guy de Maupassant's "The Necklace." The protagonist, Mathilde, epitomizes the struggles faced by women within a patriarchal society that places significant emphasis on material possessions and external appearances, often at the expense of personal fulfillment.

Brady 3 Mathilde, portrayed as a charming young woman with an decidedly empty purse. Her aspirations for material wealth and social status reflect her personal desires and underscore the societal pressures compelling women to conform to specific standards of living. As de Maupassant articulately illustrates, "She suffers intensely due to her poverty, the worn condition of her dwelling, and the ugliness of her furniture… These things torment her and make her indignant," shedding light on the torment faced by women striving to meet societal expectations (de Maupassant). Drawing from Bertens' insights, Feminist Theory emerges as a response to prevalent social, political, and economic issues, aiming to challenge and dismantle gender-based discrimination and inequality. This critical framework enables us to delve into discussions surrounding female agency, the repercussions of societal expectations, and the challenges women encounter in predominantly male-centric environments (Bertens). Furthermore, A.H. Wallace's examination of de Maupassant's portrayal of women unveils the author's admiration for their courage and nobility, challenging traditional gender roles and emphasizing a philogynist perspective. Wallace's analysis enriches our understanding of "The Necklace" by contextualizing it within de Maupassant's nuanced views on femininity and societal norms (Wallace). Incorporating Lee's exploration of Marxist ideas and Gayle Greene's interpretation of womanhood as a social construct further enhances our feminist reading of the text. Her discussion on the intersections of oppression based on gender, race, and class, coupled with Greene's notion that consciousness is socially constructed, aligns with the feminist approach of analyzing the cultural and societal influences shaping women's lives (Lee; Greene).

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help