How Is Madam X And Y Presented In The Stronger By August Strindberg

What does the play seem to say about power and gender? Compare and contrast at least four characters, using specific examples to support your answer.

Scholars and professors of literature, such as Anne Parten of George Mason University and Thomas J. Scheff of University of California at Santa Barbara, make note of a contrast between the two main female characters in William Shakespeare’s play Much Ado about Nothing. This contrast has led to a great question about a realistic depiction of women in society during the 17th century. According to Parten’s piece titled "Beatrice's Horns: A Note on Much Ado about Nothing, II.I.25-27," and Scheff’s work, “GENDER WARS: Emotions in Much Ado About Nothing,” one female character in the play follows the societal regulations declared upon women, while the other fights against the idea of public display of emotion, submissive behavior, and domination by the male sex.

As the play progresses, the relationship between Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters evolves from what seems like acquaintances to accomplices. When they are first left alone, the two have a casual conversation, making small talk and commenting upon commonalities, with their gender being the main source of their similarities. However, as they go about their business to gather items for Mrs. Wright, the relationship between Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters deepens as they discuss, and slowly piece together, what had happened when they are left alone by the men. When alone, the two women speak freely and frankly, with Mrs. Hale abruptly asking “Do you think she did it?” (Glaspell), leaving Mrs. Peters seemingly stumbling for a response. They continue about their

Women are the ones that always make smart decisions in difficult situations. An example of women always making smart decisions in difficult situations in Appointment with Love is that Hollis was not afraid to lose Lieutenant. Hollis told the other women to only tell Lieutenant to meet her, if he asks her out on a date, because she would know if he really liked her for her not for her looks. Mary in Lamb to the Slaughter, displays her bravery because she was willing to risk her life by attempting to kill her husband. She illustrates this throughout the reading by standing up for herself, killing her husband, and leading the police officers to think she was innocent. The hostess Mrs. Wynnes from The Dinner Party, kept the situation under control. She did this by telling the native boy to place a bowl of milk on the ground of the open doors. Mrs. Wyness did this to get rid of the cobra without anyone knowing, so that people won't freak

assertive woman. The play focuses on Petruchio’s controlling nature over Kate, treating her poorly in front of others. At first, Petruchio makes his peers believe that he is a respectful man, but as the play progresses, this thought flips. Petruchio’s counterfeit persona differs from his intentions and continues on until the reader notices the changes because of the characters Petruchio affects.

Mrs. Sommers is shopping for her children when she receives some extra cash and decides to treat herself. She buys new stockings, new shoes, new gloves and “two high priced magazines such as she had been accustomed to read in the days when she had been accustomed to other pleasant things in life” (Chopin, pg. 3). Once she buys all of this she treats herself to lunch. She walks into a charming restaurant and “her appearance created no surprise, no consternation, as she had half feared it would” (Chopin, pg. 3)

Illusions and deceptions, such as lies and made up stories, are used to mask the reality of certain situations. The two couples in Who is Afraid of Virginia Woolf use lies to hide the destruction of their marriage, however, audience members see each characters remove these illusions as the play continues. The audience understands that deception was used to hide the character's fear of living a life in which they had to deal with failing marriages. Without these “masks,” the two couples resemble metaphoric children because they are immature to see their lives without lies and use games to hide their problems in their marriages. When the truth escapes from the deceptive games, the characters get more aggressive toward each other. This aggression

She has to conceal all independent actions to takes in order to please her husband. Some of these actions are more simple, such as the snacking or lavish christmas spending but one decision she makes is crucial to the change of her character (Brunnemer,

Berger argues that women do not wish for nor strive for power. Berger attests that women only wish to be seen by men, therefore, they act in a way that the previously discussed powerful men would appreciate

Shatori DePonte Cabison 12/04/14 ENG-256WI Professor Sims Second Essay Gender Studies- A Doll’s House Bette Davis once said, “When a man gives his opinion he’s a man, but when a woman gives her opinion she’s a bitch”. In the book, A doll’s House by Henrick Ibsen the play is set in the early 19th century and explores individual liberty and gender equality at that time.

Sociology teaches that society has naturally produces standards, that people are preferred to follow. Gender, arguably is basis from which all following norms branch from. Pierre Bourdieu writes in his boot “Masculine Domination”, “The social world constructs the body as a sexually defined reality and is the depository of sexual defining principles of vision and division” (Pierre 11). These divisions produce gender roles that are based on the patriarchy. Traditionally, gender roles states that men are the leaders in society and the family, while women play submissive role in raising children and caring for the immediate needs for the family. However, William Shakespeare’s Olivia, in the Twelfth Night, and Oscar Wilde’s Gwendolen, in the comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest narrative seemingly contradict orthodox gender norms. Olivia and Gwendolen both live in a social construct based on male dominance. Yet both of them upends this norm and play dominant role in both of their relationships.

Unfortunately, Bauer highlights that a woman lack of identity and voice was uniform across all marriage institutions even within the confines of love as depicted by Mrs. Mallard statement “And yet she had loved him—sometimes…” (Chopin 261; Bauer 150).

It can be said that the sound of Nora Helmer slamming the door behind her as she leaves her husband and children in pursuit of self-actualization is one of the most famous in theatre history. The journey the characters in A Doll’s House take in order to build to this powerful moment is a fascinating one. Countless scholars have analyzed aspects of Ibsen’s famous play; some have examined the complicated marriage between Nora and Torvald Helmer, while others have found Ibsen’s social commentary piquing their interest. In this particular case, it is this paper’s endeavor to thoroughly examine the ways in which gender is performed in this classic play. Primarily, Judith Butler’s famous book, Gender Trouble:Feminism and the Subversion of Identity, will serve as the critical lens for this analysis. Two productions of Ibsen’s work will provide the performances for analysis: director Patrick Garland’s 1973 film starring Claire Bloom and Anthony Hopkins, and Mabou Mines’ postmodern adaptation. Butler’s gender performance theory will help to illuminate the social commentary and underlying themes present in Ibsen’s masterpiece and will hopefully reveal aspects of Nora and Torvald’s character that were perhaps hidden until now.

In life some people wear masks never revealing their true nature to even their closest friends or spouse; however if that mask is ever removed the revelation of the true person that lies beneath can be shocking. Dominated women are more likely to wear a mask in order to hide the reality of their dark, oppressive world in which they live. This allows the women to maintain what little self-esteem they have left, while at the same time they are screaming on the inside yearning for freedom. A prime example of such a woman would be, Nora Helmer, in Henrik Ibsen’s play, A Doll House, she wears the mask of a submissive, loving, housewife but in reality she only wishes for freedom and independence. Her husband, Torvald is not an abusive man, although, he is controlling and treats her as a child, instead of an equal partner in their marriage. Throughout the play, Nora with the aid of Kristine and Dr. Rank, progresses into a more prevailing role which leads to her ultimate freedom when she leaves her husband and children. Henrik Ibsen created a very complex character with Nora Helmer, a loving, submissive housewife with an opposing side of manipulation and deceit, while Torvald dominates within his household, he remains devoted to his family, and loves his wife dearly.

By changing the tone and volume of my voice in my performance, I accurately depicted a male character and also conveyed Torvald’s demeaning attitudes towards his wife, Nora. In an attempt to play a role of the opposite gender, I lowered my voice to sound more like a man for the entire scene. I altered the