Literary works have always been the mirrors of the society. In a society that is immensely patriarchal in its standards, many significant literary works have come to critique the subjugation of women. One can take into consideration the seminal literary works, The Awakening, by Kate Chopin and Henrik Isben’s A Doll’s House that delve into the influences of the society and the family in oppressing women. The female protagonists embody the inner spirit of female empowerment that is brought about by the surmounting effect of the patriarchal influences as Edna faces social pressure and Nora faces onus of the family, while their transformation works to epitomize the triumph of the female sex over the male dominance institutionalized by the society and culture.
A close scrutiny of the respective narratives would lead to a better comprehension of the intricate influences and experiences that finally pave the way of the emancipation of the characters of Edna and Nora from the bondages of patriarchy and subjugation. A comparative analysis of the respective journeys of the two female characters of the texts would make the pattern of transformation more clear. Moreover, the societal and familial forces triggering the subordination and final subversion can also be ascertained via a close scrutiny of the texts.
The short story, The Awakening, portrays the gradual change in the character and perspective of the female protagonist as the narrative progresses. The experiences of her life lead to the transformation that helps her oppose the patriarchal norms and practices. Society is shown to be a hegemonic force subjugating women with all the cultural markers and institutionalized practices. At one point of time Edna says, ““How many years have I slept?” she inquired. “The whole island seems changed.”” (Chopin 96) This shows how she is bothered by the society and its norms. The story works as the strong expression of the impending female emancipation that is shown via the story of Edna who only works as the prototypical character for the women folks of the society. The occurrences and transformation of Edna can be seen as the representative of female awakening against the patriarchal practices.
In Isben’s play, Nora is someone who is objectified and subjugated by his husband, Torvald. Toward the beginning of this play she is found to accept the subordination. Nora says to Mrs. Linde at a point of time, “Just fancy, my husband has been made manager of the Bank!” (Isben 9) Nora first finds happiness in the success of her husband. She is not too bothered about her own aspirations. However, as the narrative progresses and the lack of respect increases, she comes to realize that there is more to her identity than being a wife and a mother bound within the walls of the household. The drama focuses on the dynamics of the family and how the nuclear family structure of the modern society ascribes a position of subordination to the female. How Nora opts to leave her marital bond and embark upon the journey of her own choices shows her emancipation from the traps of patriarchy.
Introduction and Thesis
Body paragraphs
The short story by Kate Chopin is a vehement expression of feminism.
Edna is subjugated by the society as she has to accept that Robert does not have the grit to accept the adulterous relationship.
The story portrays the societal influences in detail.
Edna is pressurized by the parameters.
Edna finally subverts against the oppression and subjugation.
Her emancipation is triggered by the surmounting influence of patriarchy.
Her transformation embodies the free female spirit that is repressed by the society.
Her struggle and final transformation can be seen as the representative of the women of the society.
Isben shows how Nora is subordinated by her husband.
Nora is not respected and is objectified by Torvald.
Nora is not even respected as a guardian by her children.
She is even by names of animals- a sign of dehumanization and subordination.
Nora finally breaks free from the shackles of familial bondage.
Nora decides to leave the imposed responsibilities behind.
She wants to live life on her own as an independent lady.
Her emancipation subverts the patriarchal family structure of the society.
Conclusion
Works Cited
Chopin, Kate. The Awakening. New York: Herbert S. Stone & Company, 1899. Print.
Isben, Henrik. A Doll’s House. New York: Sheba Blake Publishing, 2013. Print.
Templeton, Joan. “The Doll House Backlash: Criticism, Feminism, and Ibsen.” PMLA
104.1 (1989): 28-40.
Walker, Nancy. “Feminist or Naturalist: "The Social Context of Kate Chopin's The
Awakening"” Southern Quarterly 17.2 (1979): 95.
