1. Introduction
The following paper deals with the female characters in the play “The little foxes”, written by Lillian Hellmann in 1939.
In the United States the role of women in society changed drastically in the 20th century. In the past married women were homebound and dependent on their husbands, but they became active and independent in 1900. The increasing possibilities to work outside the house led to the fact that women became wage- earners. Finally, the women’s attitude to life changed dramatically.
In the beginning of this paper an overview of the historical background, considering the social role of women in the 20th century, is given. Afterwards, the change of the role of women will be exemplified by the female characters of Regina, Birdie and Alexandra in “The Little Foxes”. Especially Regina and Birdie can be seen as contrastive examples because they show in an opposite way how to deal with their powerless role in the Hubbard family.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The Role of women in society in the 20th century
3. The Role of women in “The little foxes”
3.1 Regina
3.2 Birdie
3.3 Alexandra
4. Conclusion
5. References
Objectives and Themes
This paper examines the portrayal of female characters in Lillian Hellman's 1939 play "The Little Foxes" against the backdrop of the changing social and economic status of women in the early 20th-century United States. It analyzes how different women navigate their lack of agency and material power within the oppressive structure of the Hubbard family.
- Historical evolution of women's roles in the 20th century
- Contrastive behavior of Regina and Birdie regarding patriarchal constraints
- The impact of materialism and obsession with wealth on family dynamics
- Alexandra's development as a representation of a new generation's potential
- The struggle for independence within a restrictive societal framework
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Regina
The strong and self- confident Regina thinks that it is unfair, that the “father left all his money to the two sons” (Falk 50). Regina does not accept this and fights until she gets what she wants. Therefore she married Horace, who had enough money to fulfil her dreams and to “recoup her financial losses” (Falk 51). So she only exploits her husband, what shows her selfishness. The bad relationship to her husband can be seen, because her economical success is even more important to her than her husband's health. Although Horace is ill and therefore has been in Baltimore for five month, “he has ignores Regina’s request to come home” (Falk 50). He knows that Regina only wants him to come home for her own profit. She does not care about him, although he is ill, and even refuses to help him when he is about to die.
That she is also ready to trade her daughter Alexandra as business deal with her brothers shows her heartlessness and her evil behaviour. Although she knows exactly how unhappy Alexandra would be, she has no problems with marrying her to Oscar’s son Leo. Furthermore she has no scruple to use her own daughter as a decoy because she sends Alexandra to Baltimore to bring home Horace instead of going herself. She knows exactly that “the girl can probably get him to do what she wants more easily than she herself could” (Holmin 40). Instead of being a soft and loving mother and wife she is cruel and heartless.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the play "The Little Foxes" by Lillian Hellman and establishes the historical context of the shifting social and economic roles of women in the 20th century.
2. The Role of women in society in the 20th century: This section provides an overview of the historical background, detailing how women's lives transitioned from domestic dependence toward greater independence and labor force participation.
3. The Role of women in “The little foxes”: This chapter serves as the analytical core, contrasting how different female characters in the Hubbard family respond to societal injustice and patriarchal pressure.
3.1 Regina: This section analyzes Regina's character, highlighting her ambition, material obsession, and ruthless methods to gain economic power at the expense of family relationships.
3.2 Birdie: This section explores Birdie's status as a helpless and sensitive victim of the Hubbard family, focusing on her addiction and her attempt to protect Alexandra from a similar fate.
3.3 Alexandra: This section describes Alexandra as the representation of a new, hopeful generation who seeks to escape the toxic influence of the Hubbard family.
4. Conclusion: This chapter synthesizes the findings, noting that Hellman offers no simple solutions for the women in her play, ultimately portraying even the successful Regina as a victim of her time.
5. References: This section lists the primary and secondary sources used to support the analysis of Hellman's work and the historical context of the period.
Keywords
The Little Foxes, Lillian Hellman, Women's roles, 20th century, Hubbard family, Regina, Birdie, Alexandra, independence, economic power, patriarchy, social change, feminism, literature, American drama.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
This paper focuses on the depiction of female characters in Lillian Hellman's 1939 play "The Little Foxes" and how they react to the societal constraints imposed upon women during the early 20th century.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
The core themes include the lack of female economic power, the contrast between active and passive responses to oppression, the destructiveness of material greed, and the search for personal independence.
What is the central research question or goal?
The goal is to analyze how Regina, Birdie, and Alexandra deal with their powerless positions within the Hubbard family and how their behaviors represent different ways to resist or succumb to societal injustice.
Which scientific approach is applied?
The paper utilizes a literary analysis approach, drawing upon historical context and critical secondary literature to interpret character motivations and social commentary within the play.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body consists of a historical overview followed by detailed character analyses of the play's three primary women: the ambitious Regina, the victimized Birdie, and the aspiring Alexandra.
Which keywords characterize this study?
Key terms include "The Little Foxes," Lillian Hellman, feminism, economic independence, social conventions, and Hubbard family dynamics.
How does Regina differ from Birdie in the play?
Regina actively fights to gain power and wealth, even through cruel and selfish means, whereas Birdie passively endures her status as an oppressed victim of her husband and the family.
Why is Alexandra considered a sign of hope?
Alexandra is viewed as the new generation who acknowledges the failures of her family's value system and finds the strength to leave in order to create a life of her own.
Does the author conclude that there is a positive solution for these women?
No, the conclusion notes that Hellman does not provide a positive solution; while Regina gains power, she loses her family, suggesting the extreme difficulty for women to find independence within that era.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Kira Wieler (Autor:in), 2010, The Role of Women in Lillian Hellman´s "The Little Foxes", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/187298
