Masculinity in Waiting for Godot

Abstract This paper aims to explore the theme of masculinity in Beckett's Waiting for Godot. The main objective of this paper is to identify the experiences of male characters through which they try to keep their masculinity alive in Beckett's play. It is quite clear that male characters are constantly dominant in the plot structure of the play without any female character. Beckett has politically highlighted masculinity in his play while making the women absent and through other different traits. Although, there are many male characters but the proper hegemonic masculinity is clearly presented by only one male character, Godot. Because, we find that people are waiting for Godot to help them and the depiction of Godot's physical appearance by boy also gives us the hint of Godot's hegemonic masculinity. We also find male characters who are submissive.So, we can say that masculinity is a dominant theme of this play. But there are different kinds of masculinity such as hegemonic masculinity, submissive masculinity, immature masculinity and beside all this lost of masculinity is also cut and clear in Beckett's Waiting for Godot.keywords: Masculinity, hegemonic, submissive, immature, physical appearance, Godot, lost. DISCUSSION Before starting an analysis of this topic, masculinity requires definition. According to OED, masculinity is defined as â€Å"having the quality of being masculine† and OED defines â€Å"masculine† as â€Å"having the qualities or appearance considered to be typical of men.† In the same book, the word â€Å"strong† is used for masculine and according to my point of view this word â€Å"strong† is suitable here for masculinity. Because, I want to explore masculinity in the sense of â€Å"power† as well as â€Å"strongness† in â€Å"Waiting for Godot.† All the characters of Beckett's play are male and they are having the quality of being masculine. So, in this context we can say that there is an obvious theme of masculinity in Beckett's â€Å"Waiting for Godot.† But when we try to analyse Beckett's male characters from the percpective of aforementioned word â€Å"strongness† then we find confusion. Because, we can say that all his characters in â€Å"Waiting for Godot† are masculine but we cannot say that all the male characters are powerful. So, here we find â€Å"masculinity† of this play divided into two traits which are â€Å"hegemonic masculinity† and â€Å"submissive or immature masculinity.† First of all, I would like to discuss â€Å"hegemonic masculinity† in this play while analysing different characters such as Godot and Pozzo in the play, who possess hegemonic masculinity. According to R.W. Connell's gender order theory, hegemonic masculinity is defined as practice that legitimizes men's dominant position in society. (Connell). Godot is a hegemonic masulinity in the play though it is a fact that Godot remains abscent throughout the play but still we can say that he is a powerful male being. As we see that the two characters Vladimir and Estragon constantly wait for the arrival of Godot as he is someone who would help them to come out of their difficulities. Estragon: Let's go.Vladimir: We cannot.Estragon: Why not?Vladimir: We are waiting for Godot. (Beckett, 66-68)These same dialogues are repeated by these two characters time and again. Their wait for Godot and the qualities of Godot gives us the hint of Godot's hegemonic masculinity.Estragon: What do we do now?Vladimir: Wait for Godot. (Beckett, 63) And this is their routine though they know that Godot doesn't come at the end but still they are bound to wait for him. It seems that they are unable to leave without meeting Godot. Estragon and Vladimir wait for Godot daily at a specific place but for the whole day and this thing gives us the sense to precieve Godot as an authoritative figure. Vladimir: Tied?Estragon:Ti-ed.Vladimir: How do you mean tied?Estragon:Down.Vladimir: But to whom. By whom?Estragon:To your man.Vladimir:To Godot? Tied to Godot? What an idea! No question of it. For the moment. (Beckett, 20-22)In Act 2, Beckett has given the description of Godot's physical appearance by the boy. Godot's physical appearance also shows his hegemonic masculinity as we are told that Godot is a character with white beard and this gives us the peculiar essence of an authoritative figure. Vladimir: Has he beard, Mr. Godot? Boy: Yes, sir.Vladimir: Fair or †¦(he hesitates)†¦ or black? Boy: I think it's white, sir. (Beckett, 92)Although, it is a fact that Godot does not arrive in the play and many critiques argued his abscene as a lost masculinity. Jeffers in his article † Lost Masculinity in Waiting for Godot and Endgame† claimed:†Godot's constant absence shows the impossibility of a return of the masculine authoritative tradition.† (Jeffers, 95-96)Although with this fact of Godot's constant absence, we cannot compeletly claim that Godot is not an authoritative figure and still this is a fact that Godot is a hegemonic masculinity.We have another character who tries to show his hegemonic masculinity and to some extent he is successful in presenting himself as a powerful figure. Pozzo is the master of Lucky, he is a landowner and the way he treats his slave shows his power. In this play, it is Pozzo who has things to eat and in the very first act he ate chicken and then threw its bone. When Estragon asked him to have that bone just to lick, Pozzo says that Estragon should ask it to Lucky because it is Lucky's right to have the bones of Pozzo. He is trying to impose himself as God and Pozzo tries to show his superiority in different ways, when lucky refused to have bones, he says:Pozzo: I don't like it. I've never known him refuse a bone before. (Beckett, 27)While talking with Estragon and Vladimir, Pozzo talks about his superiority and according to him he is â€Å"made in God's image†(23). At one place, Pozzo asked them if they want money from him. So, all these traits present him as a hegemonic masculinity or an authoritative figure, he shows a natural sense of authority and he considers everybody his subordinates.† As he comes on stage for the very first time, Pozzo exudes the natural sense of authority that puts all other characters on stage in a subordinate position to him.† (Wright, 18) But as the play moves on, we see Pozzo as a â€Å"blind† character in act 2. With this sudden blindness, he has the sense of authority as we see that even after his blindness he mal-treats Lucky as well as his language with Lucky. Pozzo's sudden blindness also gives us the hint of his immature masculinity.† Though emulating a Godot-like authority, Pozzo's masculinity ultimately fails to maintain a consistent hegemonic status because of the matrix of power that forces all within it beneath Godot in a hierarchy.† (Wright, 1-24) We cannot totally disagree with this statement because what Wright has said is truth. Although, Godot and Pozzo are shown as powerful figure but the unstable power of Godot appears with his constant absence and Pozzo's sudden blindness. I am not completely agreed with the aforementioned statement because even with their defects still they have the aura of authoritative figures which remain throughout the play.As in this part I am discussing hegemonic masculinity in Beckett's â€Å"Waiting for Godot.† So, I would also like to analyse Vladimir and Estragon's character in this context. It is clear that the other characters do not share the sense of proper hegemonic masculinity but still at some places we observe that Estragon and Vladimir control eachother just to get the sense of hegemonic masculinity. Vladimir is a male figure who tries to consolidate his hegemonic masculinity while controling Estragon whereas Estragon can only show his power over the boy. This mutual dependency and to control eachother is just to get the sense of hegemony which gives us to the sense of immature masculinity of the characters. As there is hegemonic masculinity in the play so we also find dominant theme of immature masculinity through different characters in this play. According to Oxford Dictionary dictionary, the word â€Å"immature† suggests â€Å"to behave in a way that is not sensible and is typical of people who are much younger†(Pg 761). Estragon and Vladimir's characters are best examples of this immature masculinity. Their constant wait for saviour in the shape of Godot shows their immature masculinity. Both these characters wait for Godot without any given reason and they do not give up even with Godot's constant absence from the stage. Their inaction and inability to do anything put a stuff to the immature masculinity that they are male or masculine and he is considered the symbol of power but these two characters are powerless and inactive.Vladimir: We are waiting for Godot.Estragon:Ah! what'll we do, what'll we do!Vladimir: There is nothing we can do. (Beckett, 68) They themselves are unable to do anything but they are in vain hope to get help from Godot. Side by side this vain hope for saviour, they are mutually dependent on eachother and they could leave or live alone. Even, these characters themselves do not know why don't they live without eachother. It is their weird attitude which makes them insensible. In the first act, Vladimir says Estragon that he could not defend himself that's why he does not live away from him.Estragon: You see, you feel worse when i'm with you. I feel better alone, too.Vladimir :Then why do you always come crawling back? Estragon: I do not know.According to Wright in his article â€Å"Gender and Power in Waiting for Godot†:†Each character is unable to maintain a dominant power-position, masculinity throughout this play is atrophied and impotent— and thus each character's position within a larger framework of gender and power is consistently unstable.† (Ryan Wright,1-24) To some extent, he is quite right in his statement because the unstable and immature masculinity of some characters is quite clear. Estragon and Vladimir have submissive masculinity with insensibility. One of the critic argued:† As two main characters like Vladimir and Estragon useful purpose in their lives and their conversation to each other is purposeless and their conversation have no positive meaning.† (Bari, Mansoor, Alia, 312-315) Estragon is a male figure who is more submissive than that of Vladimir because it is Estragon who picks up the chicken ones to lick which are thrown by Pozzo and he is even ready to take money from pozzo. Whereas, Vladimir is also submissive as we see that he submits his masculinity infront of Godot's character and remains inactive throughout the play. Their weird attitudes and absurd discussion show their immaturity in the play. Even the boy who was sent by Godot was also submissive in front of Estragon and Vladimir. Lucky is also a clear example of submissive character. When Estragon asked about Lucky's not putting the bag down, Pozzo said:† Has he not the right to? Certainly he has. It follows that he doesn't want to. There is reasoning for you.† (Beckett, 31) The element of homosexuality in the play also throws an ample light on the submissiveness of characters. We can precieve Vladimir as a male character while on the other hand Estragon as an effiminate character. Their relationship seems to be the relationship of husband, wife. Both these characters are almost submissive and dependent on eacother.Immature masculinity at once becomes very clear when both Estragon and Vladimir start playing like children. At one place, Vladimir suggests Estragon to mimic Pozzo and Lucky and all these habits are quite childish of younger persons. The sudden defects of characters show the immaturity of male figures, as Pozzo was blind in second act and Lucky was dumb without any provided reason. The absurd way both the characters talk to eachother as well as we observe throughout the play that Estragon and Vladimir are in the habbit of forgetting things. This habit is more clear in Estragon's character, the uncertainity and delibrate forgetfullness. It seems that Estragon himself doesn't want to remember things as Estragon says time and again † I don't Know†(66).There is some sort of paradox in this play as well. Man who is considered to be a powerful and strong figure, here we see him as a fearful, afraid and coward being. Both Estragon and Vladimir could not live alone without eachother. They are so afraid of living alone that they could not live even they want to. Neither of them actually wishing to be apart from eachother. They are men but they are behaving like little chickenhearted children. Even there are dialogues which give us hint that they try to drift apart but they are actually unable to do so. Vladimir :I am glad to see you back. I thought you were gone forever.Estragon :Me too. (Beckett)Masculinity is also present in the shape of violence and this is the isolation that whenever one tries to go near somebody else, he is violently treated by the other. And this thing is quite clear where Lucky hits Estragon. When Estragon goes near Lucky, it is Lucky who violently push him away.† Here Estragon approaches Lucky and makes to wipe his eyes. Lucky kicks him violently in the shins. Estragon drops the handkerchief, recoils, staggers about the stage howling with pain.† (Beckett) We can associate this submissive masculinity with the life of Beckett. Beckett was an Anglo-Irish and the people had to submit their masculinity infront of the British. Jennifer M. Jeffers wrote in â€Å"Traumatized Masculinity and Beckett's Return† that:†The Ireland that Beckett knew as a boy had vanished and the only return possible was through his writing.† (Jeffers, 10)In this play, Beckett's main male characters are submissive and inactive and the reason behind this is the history which Beckett has tried to present in his play. As the masculine figures of Ireland had to submit their masculinity in the hands of the British. And it was the lost masculinity in Ireland, Beckett who was an Anglo-Irish, presented this hegemonic masculinity, lost masculinity and submissive masculinity in his play â€Å"Waiting for Godot.†Ã¢â‚¬ My argument from chapter to chapter is that Beckett texts are grounded in his personal experience of what was literally erased from â€Å"official† historical record.† (Jeffers, 1-10) Through these arguments it is clear that Beckett has presented different types of masculinity in this play while presenting six male characters without any female character.Many feminist critiques argued that there is politics of beckett behind not presenting female characters. Masculinity is so strong in his play that he even didn't use the word of woman or female for a single time.Conclusion:So, we can say that masculinity is the dominant theme of this play with only male characters. Thus, the aforementioned arguments clearly show us that masculinity is present but in different traits as hegemonic masculinity, submissive masculinity, immature masulinity, lost of masculinity as well as homosexuality in masculinity and all these types of masculinities are shown by six male characters who are in relationship with eachother in different ways. It can be also said that Beckett had tried to present history of Anglo-Irish males who were dominated by the British during colonization.† Beckett's waiting for Godot stage Western masculinity in order to enact the failure of Western patriarchy.† (Jeffers,9). Work CitationBeckett, Samuel. (1956). Waiting for Godot. faber and faber limited. Pp: 9-94.Jeffers, Jennifer M. (2009).â€Å"Traumatized Masculinity and Beckett's Return.† Beckett's Masculinity. St. Martin's Press LLC, New York. Pp: 9-37.Wright, Ryan. (2016).â€Å"Gender and Power in Waiting for Godot.† The Oswald Review: An International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Criticism in the Discipline of English. vol. 18: iss. 1, Article. 3. Pp: 5-28.Khan, Abdul Bari, Hafiza Sana Mansoor,; Huma Alia. (2015).â€Å"The Impact of Absurdism in Waiting for Godot.† International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Modern Education. vol. 1, iss 2. Pp: 312-315.Jeffers, Jennifer M. (2009).â€Å"Embodying Lost Masculinity in Waiting for Godot.† Beckett's Masculinity. St. Martin's Press LLC, New York. Pp: 95-118.Hancock, Mark, Michael Ashby. (2015).Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Oxford University Press. ed. 9. Pp: 1-930.Beckett, Samuel. (1982). Waiting for Godot. Grove Press, New York. print.

A Comparative Study of Oedipus and Chinatown - 686 Words

There are many common ties between the ancient story, Oedipus the King, and the 1974 film, Chinatown. Many of the similarities between these stories are easily understood, while some require deeper study. Oedipus, who is the lead character in Oedipus the King, and Jake Gittes, who is the main character in Chinatown, are both men who are living in corrupt cities, and are determined to seek out the truth, at any cost. As John Fawell states in his article, Cruel Fates: Parallels Between Roman Polanskis Chinatown and Sophocless Oedipus Rex, states, ...the most fruitful analogies to make between these two works are, I think, those between the works two heroes. (179) Both Oedipus and Jake Gittes are running from their fate. Oedipus is running from a prophecy given to him by an oracle, which warns that he is going to kill his father and marry his mother, while Jake Gittes is running from his past in Chinatown. Exactly what Jake is running from is unclear, but it is implied that he contributed to the death of the woman he loved. Cruel Fates...states, ...he had fallen in love with a woman in Chinatown and tried to help her, only to end up (we dont know how) contributing to her death. (179) Fawell later states, in the same article, Jake is not only fleeing Chinatowns mysterious corruption, but his responsibility to fight that corruption. A responsibility that will return to him like an old disease, when he takes on Evelyn Mulrayes case. (179-180) Both

What You Dont Know About Paper Services Could Be Costing to More Than You Think

What You Don't Know About Paper Services Could Be Costing to More Than You Think There's no guess work as to whether you have what you will need for a safe flight. Get in touch with us any time to receive the support you demand! Furthermore, there are directional surveys on intersections, where the goal is to learn the intensity of vehicles in every single traffic movement. Try to remember, which our on-line homework service is totally confidential. Students from all around the world are attempting to discover expert essay writing service. So when you have an essay assigned that you require help with, you can purchase essay online cheap from us. At our essay support, essays are always delivered in a brief moment. You are able to easily buy unique college essays and don't neglect to tell friends and family about it. When you start writing your essay you'll have all info you have to make accurate direct quotations. So should you need to employ college essay writer online, we're just the people that you will need to contact. Our website is just one of the most appropriate for essay help. You can depend on the very best essay help online. The organization's capability to react to needs is therefore confined by existing data collection and evaluation procedures. For instance, when working on a (external) service, you have to think through the way that it's delivered. Our company is totally equipped to assist you perform your own audit or you could outsource the full project to us. So when the hiring company hasn't provided a salary for work, we look at salary data from related businesses and locations to think of a fair estimate for what you may expect. If you would like to learn to compose a great craigslist ad for services, A catchy title is a superb place to begin. The business that pr ovides plagiarized content cannot be trusted. Most important though is the simple fact that HandMadeWriting is areal company based in the united states. Defining the entire problem well isn't straightforward. Characteristics of Paper Services If you've got bigger paper, the purchase price will go up. You should be able to produce the sort of offer that will entice them since they feel it is precisely what they require. The offer has to be promising for you to reap the sort of rewards that you expect out of your advertising stints. Our discount offer will allow you to conserve a lot of money instantly. Paper Services: No Longer a Mystery Who knew essay writing may be so tough. The newsletter consists of clinical articles and news pertinent to AMSN members. You are not going to make the error of writing something in your essay that you believe you have thought of yourself, but is actually something you're remembering from a book word-for-word. Writing is a present that co mes naturally. Finding the Best Paper Services Customer testimonials is the very first thing that you ought to check before selecting the corporation. If you prefer to place an order on the site, you'll be delighted to learn how simple it's to do that. Adequate job positions need decent payment. There are quite specific procedures that has to be followed and are on the PCRB site. Otherwise, you might just find yourself frustrated and not finding lots of new customers. Even when you have a peculiar task that demands knowledge in a particular area of knowledge or the one on a not so common topic, be confident that we'll discover the most suitable person to do it. Scholarly help is a somewhat tricky market where deception can be found throughout the place. In any case, dealing with a hard assignment can grow to be a real problem whenever you have very little understanding of the subject. The Fight Against Paper Services In the future, you will save yourself money, and you are going to have the ease of using your own laminating machine in your own house, office, or school. A great deal of devices will cease operating as soon as the bin fills up to supply you with an opportunity to empty it. The excellent control in our services requires several stages aimed toward revealing all types of mistakes. In case the cutting mechanism isn't rotating, you are probably going to have to have the machine serviced.

The Basement Room, By Graham Greene - 1091 Words

Maya Angelou once said, â€Å"We are only as blind as we want to be.† This is not referring to literal blindness, but instead to the human tendency of to ignore, or â€Å"be blind to,† the consequences of their actions in relation to the good of other people. Renowned author Graham Greene explores this theme from what some people believe to be a Christian perspective in his many of his works. Although two of Graham Greene’s short stories, â€Å"The Basement Room† and â€Å"The Destructors,† are neither clearly redemptive or biblical, it is very possible that the stories are written from a Christian worldview because of their parallels to the nature and consequences of sin, and Greene’s criticism of selfish human behavior. â€Å"The Basement Room† has several†¦show more content†¦Old Misery, a lonely old man who lives in a singular house in the middle of bomb ruins, and his beloved home represent an innocent victim deceived by an evil force. After convincing Old Misery to let him see the inside of his house, T. devises a plan to destroy it. He explains his plan to his friends, saying, â€Å"‘We’ll destroy it†¦ We’d do it from inside. I’ve found a way in†¦ When we came out again there’d be nothing there†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (â€Å"Destructors† 4). T. and his plan clearly parallel the effects of Satan on humans. Old Misery, like any other unsuspecting victim would, unknowingly lets a source of evil into his home. Once inside, T. learns the weaknesses of the place and figures out exactly how to ruin it, similarly to how all humans can be killed by their weaknesses. Old Misery never did anything against the boy. Instead, he acted kindly towards T . when he welcomes him inside. Like Satan, T. is aggressive and angry in nature, and feels prompted to completely sabotage Old Misery’s life for his own personal enjoyment. Similarly to T.’s type in â€Å"The Destructors,† Greene explores the selfishness of humans in the character of Mrs. Baines in â€Å"The Basement Room.† Mrs. Baines, Philip’s housekeeper, corrupts Philip by forcing him to keep her secrets and bribing him to help her conspire against her husband. After Philip lets it slip that Baines had beenShow MoreRelatedBasement Room Analysis1630 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"The Basement Room†: Graham Greene’s Perspective Like many other things in our world, society is comprised of two different aspects: free will and constraints. As Americans, we experience the former daily and seem to take it for granted. We simply live and maintain our daily routines monotonously, completely oblivious to the fact that we are exercising our rights of freedom, doing whatever pleases us. However, if one uses his or her free will corruptly, they will come to experience the latter aspectRead More Thomas Hardys The Sons Veto, Graham Greenes The Basement Room and alan Sillitoes Uncle Ernest1496 Words   |  6 PagesThomas Hardys The Sons Veto, Graham Greenes The Basement Room and alan Sillitoes Uncle Ernest In each of the three stories, The Sons Veto by Thomas Hardy, The Basement Room by Graham Green and Uncle Ernest by Alan Silitoe, the respective writer conveys a sense of isolation regarding the central character. There are numerous similarities between the characters based on their common plight, but each story differs in the portrayal of these characters. The writers effectively presentRead MoreDomestic Abuse In An Intimate Relationship . One Hears1892 Words   |  8 Pagesshort story â€Å"Spurs,† we witness emotional and physical abuse between Jacques Coube and Mademoiselle Jeanne, a newly married couple that had gotten together for the wrong intentions. There is also emotional and physical abuse seen in Graham Greene’s story â€Å"The Basement Room,† amongst Mr. and Mrs. Baines. It’s ironic that the people who are supposed to protect us, is the same person that abuses us. We’ll discuss the different types of domestic abuse, what is psychologically going on with the victim andRead MoreDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 PagesI am just stretched too thin on this project. Then Jim Bishop asked me if the system was running yet. I was worn out from dealing with the Controller, and I made a sarcastic comment to Jim Bishop. He gave me a funny look and just walked out of the room. I would like to talk with you about this situation at your earliest convenience. ITEM 14 – E-MAIL TO: FROM: DATE: Chris Perillo John Small, Group 6 Manager October 15 Welcome aboard, Chris. I look forward to meeting with you. I just wanted

Genetics Human Diseases

Question: Discuss about theGeneticsfor Human Diseases. Answer: Introduction The conditional gene knockout methodology would be used to address the learning and memory defects in the adult mouse. It is the process of inactivating the gene of interest in the specific tissue while in the wild type; the gene retains its original function. It is useful in studying the human diseases and developmental stages in human. In target gene inactivation, there is reliable association of the phenotype and the role of individual gene study in vivo. This conditional gene knockout methodology could be used to delete the Msc 1 gene in the brain tissue of the mouse and to study the learning and memory defects. The knockout mouse lacks the Msc 1 gene during the early embryonic stages and the learning and thinking defects are due to the developmental defects in the wiring of the brain. The conditional gene knockout creates the knockout mutations in embryonic stem cells and it is the best way by which the function and role of certain genes in human diseases are studied (Gierut, Jacks and Haigis 2014). The tissue- specific conditional knockout mouse is used to study the gene function and targeted validation. The targeted tissue in the brain associated with thinking or learning are inactivated that is there is no gene of interest and no expression and induced in the mouse (Davila et al. 2014). The same gene of interest is functional in the rest of the body. The knockout mouse would harbor a gene that completely lacks the normal function of the gene due to absence or non-functional gene product. The targeted gene deletion helps to study the biological role and the in vivo function of the specific gene in human diseases. The underlying pathophysiology is understood and the associated therapies in treating the disease. The Cre-Lox recombinase system is used to achieve the conditional knockout methodology. This method helps to knockout the gene of interest only in specific tissues. In conditional gene knockout, the DNA recombinase Cre and lox-P are the recognition sites (Kratochwil and Rijli 2014). In conditional, the target gene Msc 1 gene is modified by insertion of the lox-P in to the sites that excise the floxed gene segment by using Cre recombinase. The crossing of Cre transgenic with the floxed strain makes the inactivation of the target gene in vivo under the domain of Cre expression (Niesner and Maheshri 2013). The Msc 1 gene becomes inactivated in the Cre expressing cells while in other parts of the body the gene is active. References: Davila, D., Thibault, K., Fiacco, T.A. and Agulhon, C., 2014. Recent molecular approaches to understanding astrocyte function in vivo.Imaging and monitoring astrocytes in health and disease. Gierut, J.J., Jacks, T.E. and Haigis, K.M., 2014. Strategies to achieve conditional gene mutation in mice.Cold Spring Harbor Protocols,2014(4), pp.pdb-top069807. Kratochwil, C.F. and Rijli, F.M., 2014. The Cre/Lox system to assess the development of the mouse brain.Brain Development: Methods and Protocols, pp.295-313. Niesner, B. and Maheshri, N., 2013. Using the crelox system to randomize target gene expression states and generate diverse phenotypes.Biotechnology and bioengineering,110(10), pp.2677-2686.

Snow Child The Feminist Viewpoint Essay Example

Snow Child: The Feminist Viewpoint Essay How far do you agree that Snow Child is a story that supports a feminist view point? As a feminist author Carter criticizes the position of women. Carter uses the theme of status and marriage to expose the true nature of patriarchal society. Carter herself was a fervently which Influenced the way she wrote the story and the Ideas Involved In the story. The anthology was published In 1979 which was a time period where men had more power than women, which still happens today. Carter shows the control men have over men through the interactions the Count has with countess and the Snow Child. In the story Carter highlights the count abusing the power he has as a man. This is seen when the count repeats l wish I had a girl three times, which implies that with the power he has anything he wants he gets. It creates an allusion that the Count is like a God, he can make anything happen by Just commanding it. Furthermore the Countys selfish desires to have full control over the snow child. Mirrored the authority and dominance men had over women at the time. Carter shows the Count will is undisputed by the Snow Child appearing as soon as the Count finished his description of what he wanted her to look like. We will write a custom essay sample on Snow Child: The Feminist Viewpoint specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Snow Child: The Feminist Viewpoint specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Snow Child: The Feminist Viewpoint specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer In Dalton rater also shows how women are Just seem as objects for men whenever they are wanted or needed. This Is seen when the furs sprang off the countesss shoulders and twined round the naked snow childs body. This portrays the idea of male dominance of clothing and unclothing to their desire. Within moments the innocent young girl was undressed, Carter personifies the clothing by making it seem magical as though the count used special powers to get what he wanted; the naked young girl. There is also an implication that neither the Countess nor the Snow Child have the control which the Count possesses. Throughout the story Carter portrays the Snow Child as an innocent naive girl. Who doesnt have a voice and says nothing. Feminists would argue that women not having a voice Is something that is very common. In that era young girls were made to believe that they should only speak when spoke to, be pure and sacred. They were also expected to conform to mens obligations. By the Snow Child pricking herself on the rose shows her Innocence. The blood that comes from her finger can be a symbol of her losing her virginity to the duke. Carter describes the blood as being like a foxs kill on the snow the use of simile emphasis how much the child bled. In addition the rose is a symbol of femininity which is what essentially killed the Snow Child. Carter is showing that being a female comes with suffering with or without social privilege. After the Snow Child picks the rose she bleeds; screams; falls feminists would see this as the vulnerability of young girl. The child was only being obedient y listening to the count and countess which were her elders. She didnt think they had any intention of harming her. Furthermore the Snow Child bleeding may also be an imagery of her turning Into an adult, she has reached her stage of puberty The way in which the Snow Child died suggests that Carter wanted to emphasis on the fact that the young girl couldnt live In a world of equality as a female. She would always be oppressed by the patriarchy and dominance of men. Throughout the story it seems as though the sex with the Snow Child in front of her. She doesnt seem to see anything wrong or unusual with it. From a feminists point of view this would be an example of women having to abide by mens desires and choices. Additionally there is an insinuation that maybe the Countess sees herself in the Snow Child and stares at what is happening, as she remembers that it once happened to her. On the other hand it seems as though the countess had some new towards the Snow child. This is seen when Carter explains the Snow Child was the child of his desire and the countess hated her this is probably why the Count told the guileless child to pick the rose of thorns. However the countess was definitely not allowed to express her hatred for the child in the Counts presence. How should I be rid of her? The countess thinks of ways to get rid of the Snow child but knows she cannot interrupt or get in the way of the Countys wishes. As a woman the Countess requirements were to be subordinate to her husband, the Count. Carter suggests that the child and the Countess swap roles; which shows the importance of the females at the time. The countess was bare as a bone and the girl furred and booted this implies that the most important person to the Count at the time was the child which is why she was covered and the Countess was bare. This is a symbol of male patriarchy that women are homogeneous and toys. In conclusion, the Snow Child is a story that supports feminists viewpoints of women being conformed to the actions of men. They are made to accept that men have more power over them and there is not much they can do about it.

The Analyzing of Paintings Cranes in Edo Period

The Analyzing of Paintings Cranes in Edo Period The paintings under consideration, Cranes, date back to the Edo Period, the time of humanistic and rational evolution. During this period, a significant shift from religious topics to secular motifs was observed. Elements of nature and classic representation of images were also included into the salient features of this time.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Analyzing of Paintings â€Å"Cranes† in Edo Period specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Despite secularism and predominance of mundane elements, the paintings still contain some religious trends, particularly Neo-Confucianism philosophical underpinnings that one of the leading movements in Edo period. In this respect, Cranes are endowed with spiritual atmosphere and natural vitality that are expressed through an ideal combination of flora and fauna. Everything – from texture, fabric, and tone to color, shapes, and lines – reflect the common tr aits of Edo artistic movement. Painted in ink on silk and paper, Cranes are represented through extreme delicacy that is achieved by means of the materials used. Cautious lines made by the painter require extreme attention because at least one wrong movement or brush can spoil the entire work. Refinement of the materials used also contributes to better representation of artistic motives and themes. Judging from this, the artist strives to make use of these materials in order to achieve the effect of weightlessness, lightness, and simplicity. In addition, ink, paper, and silk are considered to be one of the main attributes of painting culture in Japan. It reflects Japanese cultural and historical heritage. Along with accuracy and delicacy of the image representation, the painting is also closely associated with spontaneity, subjective sensitivity, and grace. Incorporating all these features creates a complete picture of what ink painting is all about. While talking about the thematic concerns presented in the paintings under analysis, it can be stated that they are fully attached to the natural vision of the world with slight accent on illusion. At a glance, the cranes and surrounding natural elements are depicted in a realistic manner. We can easily compare those with real-to-life objects. However, realistic vision of the painting will not allow to see the essence and ideas that the author intends to convey. In fact, in order to understand the main motifs and themes of the works, one should understand the artist’s perception of the work and his/her emotional state.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Regarding light, use of colors, and composition, the primary concern here is to capture not the object itself, but its essence, landscape and interaction between the objects depicted on the picture. Beside accurate forms, minimalism of refined line s, the author also strives to render the traditional aesthetics of simplicity combined with intuitive expression. Apparently, this is the main feature of Japanese artistic trend in the seventeenths century. Particular attention should be paid to color usage that also contributes to the concept of simplicity and delicate expression. Black and white hues, shadows, and tones provide exceptional harmony to the described scenes. Hence, postures are colored in darker colors indicating the thematic center of the paintings; their movements and positions render their grace and beauty that are supplemented by virtuously presented background. Though being identical in composition centers, the backgrounds distinguish this picture from each other. At the left, the crane looks more superior and proud because all his movements and positions convey this idea. Strength and dignity are also represented through straight lines. In contrast, the crane depicted on the right painting seems to be more grac ious and yielding. A slightly raised leg and a half-opened beak render openness, lightness, and grace. Its metaphorical meaning can be presented through the artistic desire to express his openness to the world. Comparing these two birds, these cranes oppose each other in terms of character, position, and the painters’ expression. In addition, the birds are surrounded by different environments. Hence, left picture depicts some trees in bloom that, eventually, presents trees spring or summer period whereas pictures on the right is presented in autumn motifs Taking a closer look at the paintings concerned, a few words can be said about the dynamic character of scenes and objects. While studying the main elements, lines, and shapes, it is necessary to resort to artists’ emotional perception of the world described within a picture. In this respect, these lines, themes, and tender shades can be transformed into powerful energy that can endow the viewers with the main concept s and ideas of Japanese art and philosophy. In addition, the brushwork presented on the canvas also provides the entire work with greater range of expression and feelings. All these peculiarities and techniques are the main attributes of Edo painting whose primary purpose is narrowed to aesthetic and cultural representation of picture. In conclusion, artistic representation, usage of delicate techniques, and peculiar materials contribute to conveying the artist’s perception of the surrounding world\.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Analyzing of Paintings â€Å"Cranes† in Edo Period specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Cranes do not only represent the natural world, they also render the artist’s emotional and psychological state. Particular emphasis is placed on brushwork, colors, and techniques that amplify the paintings’ cultural and historical affiliation to Edo period, the era of human istic movement. Finally, the pictures also reflect spirituality and vitality through the disclosure of natural world motifs.