For The Section 4 Discussion Board I Would Like You To Go Ba

For The Section 4 Discussion Board I Would Like You To Go Back To The

For the Section 4 Discussion Board, I would like you to go back to the PDF on Theme in the Section 1 folder. After you have reacquainted yourself with the terminology discussed there, I would like you to select three of the stories from the readings in this section and discuss how the themes of these stories deal with social expectations of women. I would like you to compare and contrast the themes of the stories and show how the themes in the stories represent different times and therefore reflect changing social roles for women. You can also develop a thesis of your own regarding how the themes in these stories deal with the social expectations of women. I would like you to include at least three quotes from the stories in your assignment and it should be at least 350 words long.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The portrayal of women in literature provides a profound insight into the social expectations and roles assigned to women across different historical periods. By examining stories from various eras, one can trace the evolution of these social constructs, revealing shifts in societal values and gender roles. This discussion explores how themes related to social expectations of women are depicted in three selected stories, comparing and contrasting their approaches and reflecting on the changing social landscape.

Analysis of Selected Stories

The first story, "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, from the late 19th century, vividly portrays a woman's struggle within the confines of gendered expectations. The protagonist's mental health deteriorates under the oppressive patriarchal medical authority and societal norms that diminish her autonomy. The story emphasizes themes of domestic confinement and the suppression of women’s independence, illustrating the period's societal view of women as fragile and subordinate ("It is only a story... but it is a story of oppression."). Gilman’s portrayal underscores the expectations that women should be obedient and passive, reinforcing gender conformity.

The second story, "Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid, written in the latter half of the 20th century, focuses on the socialization of a young girl through a series of admonitions and advice. The narrative encapsulates societal expectations for women to embody specific behaviors, such as being modest, obedient, and capable of domestic chores ("This is how you iron your father's khaki shirt..."). Unlike Gilman’s story, "Girl" presents social expectations as directives that prescribe a woman’s place and behavior, reflecting the gender roles reinforced during this period and highlighting the societal pressure to conform.

The third story, "Interpreter of Maladies" by Jhumpa Lahiri, set in contemporary times, introduces a different perspective where social expectations are more nuanced. The story explores cultural identity and the immigrant experience, emphasizing the complexities of gender roles within traditional and modern contexts. The protagonist's internal conflict about fulfilling traditional expectations versus personal desires highlights a shift toward individual agency ("I want to be a woman who is recognized for who she is, not just what she is supposed to be."). This reflects a more contemporary view of women as autonomous individuals who negotiate societal pressures.

Comparison and Reflection

These stories collectively depict a progression in societal attitudes towards women. Gilman’s narrative underscores early expectations of female fragility and dependence, reinforcing gender stereotypes. In contrast, Kincaid’s story illustrates the social scripts for women’s behavior that serve to maintain traditional roles. Lahiri’s modern perspective reveals a move toward recognizing women’s agency and individuality amidst cultural and societal expectations.

The themes of oppression, socialization, and individual agency demonstrate the evolving social roles for women. Early narratives depict women as subordinate to men and confined by household and societal roles. Later stories reflect increasing recognition of women as individuals capable of resisting or negotiating societal pressures. This literary progression parallels historical changes, including women’s suffrage, the feminist movements, and increasing cultural diversity, which have challenged and reshaped gender expectations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, literature serves as a mirror to societal values, revealing how social expectations of women have evolved over time. Through comparing these stories, it becomes evident that while traditional roles sought to confine women within prescribed behaviors, contemporary narratives highlight a shift toward autonomy and individual agency. The themes explored in these stories collectively depict a trajectory from oppression toward empowerment, affirming ongoing changes in social attitudes and roles for women.

References

Gilman, C. P. (1892). The Yellow Wallpaper. The New England Magazine.

Kincaid, J. (1978). Girl. The New Yorker.

Lahiri, J. (1999). Interpreter of Maladies. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Showalter, E. (1985). The Female Malady: Women, Madness, and English Culture, 1830-1980. Virago Press.

Showalter, E. (2000). The New Feminist Criticism: Essays on Women, Literature, and Theory. Routledge.

Scott, J. W. (1988). Gender and the Politics of History. Columbia University Press.

Ferguson, R. (1992). "Women and Literature: An Introduction." College Literature, 19(2), 185-191.

Bordo, S. (1993). Unbearable Weight: Feminism, Western Culture, and the Body. University of California Press.

Connell, R. W. (2005). Masculinities. University of California Press.

hooks, bell (2000). Feminism is for Everybody: Passionate Politics. South End Press.