This term paper will argue that the two texts from Twain and Munro are equal in their attempt to prove the way gender roles are constructed and in their criticizing of those – notwithstanding their own differences in time, age, manner and tone, and so they allow us to ask the question of how they affect the characters, and ultimately, the readers.
As Judith Butler says in Gender Trouble, “Originally intended to dispute the biology-is-destiny formulation, the distinction between sex and gender serves the argument that whatever biological intractability sex appears to have, gender is culturally constructed (…)” (9). Both writers are aware that the differences between men and woman exist, but what they are interested in is the way in which these differences become ingrained in our society to a point where it is difficult for an individual to break free from the boundaries and establish oneself as a person, rather than identifying primarily as “male” or “female”.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The use of tone
3. Animals as symbols
4. The portrayal of relationships
5. The importance of language
6. Conclusion
Objective and Thematic Scope
This paper explores the construction and criticism of gender roles in Mark Twain’s "Eve’s Diary" and Alice Munro’s "Boys and Girls". It investigates how both authors utilize distinct narrative styles, symbolism, and communication patterns to expose the societal limitations imposed upon their characters, ultimately arguing that both texts challenge the "naturalization" of gender-based behaviors.
- Analysis of gender construction as a cultural rather than biological phenomenon.
- Examination of how tone, irony, and symbolism function to enforce or critique gender stereotypes.
- Evaluation of the influence of communication and language on character development.
- Comparison of the protagonists' responses to societal expectations and their ultimate resignation to traditional gender roles.
Excerpt from the Book
The use of tone
One of the most noticeable elements in both short stories is the writers’ use of tone to create a certain kind of ambience and vividness of the characters, influencing the way in which the stories are processed and understood.
Another use of tone is to accentuate the set of qualities a character might have. Twain, being a humorist, uses a lot of dramatic irony in Eve’s diary and the overall tone of the story is humoristic, light and ironic. By using such tone, he succeeds in creating the stereotypical woman: light-hearted, fanciful, always searching for the beauty in things, often ignoring their practicality and showing no signs of “common sense”.
The light and calming nature of Eve’s character comes through as she encounters a tiger, an animal with which most of us connect slaughter and danger, which Twain presents as something that is safe to sleep among: “I couldn't get back home; it was too far and turning cold; but I found some tigers and nestled in among them and was most adorably comfortable, and their breath was sweet and pleasant, because they live on strawberries.” (4). Besides the fact that it depicts Eve in a certain way, this description also adds to the irony of the story, where the reader knows that tigers do not feed on strawberries, and the end result is that Eve is seen as either being quite silly or irrational.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This section establishes the theoretical framework, referencing Judith Butler to argue that gender is culturally constructed and that both Twain and Munro expose the ingrained nature of these societal limitations.
The use of tone: The chapter examines how Twain’s humorous irony and Munro’s straightforward, candid tone serve to highlight character traits and the absurdity of predefined gender stereotypes.
Animals as symbols: This analysis explores how both authors use animal imagery to represent freedom versus domesticity and to accentuate the protagonists' internal struggles with their maturing gender roles.
The portrayal of relationships: The focus here is on the hierarchical dynamics between male and female characters, showing how the women seek validation while struggling with their prescribed inferior positions.
The importance of language: This section discusses the performative power of language, illustrating how the very vocabulary and labels used in the narratives function to trap the characters within their gender identities.
Conclusion: The final chapter synthesizes the arguments, noting that while the authors present characters aware of these restrictions, they ultimately show them succumbing to societal norms, thereby prompting the reader to reflect on the possibility of breaking this cycle.
Keywords
Gender roles, Construction, Literary analysis, Mark Twain, Alice Munro, Feminism, Symbolism, Stereotypes, Language, Identity, Socialization, Patriarchy, Comparative literature, Narrative tone, Subjectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary objective of this term paper?
The paper aims to prove that Mark Twain’s "Eve’s Diary" and Alice Munro’s "Boys and Girls" are equal in their critical approach to how gender roles are culturally constructed, despite their different historical contexts and literary styles.
Which authors and texts are analyzed in this work?
The work provides a comparative analysis of Mark Twain’s short story "Eve’s Diary" and Alice Munro’s short story "Boys and Girls".
What theoretical lens is used to examine gender?
The author primarily utilizes the theory of Judith Butler regarding the cultural construction of gender, as well as concepts from Simone de Beauvoir and Saussurean linguistics to explore identity and meaning.
How do the authors differ in their use of tone?
Twain employs dramatic irony and a humoristic tone to create a stereotypical, "light-hearted" female figure, whereas Munro uses a direct and candid tone to depict the realistic, often disheartening, struggle of a girl growing into womanhood.
What role does symbolism play in the texts?
Symbolism, particularly regarding animals, is used to represent the contrast between freedom and the constraints of domesticity, forcing characters to confront their place in the societal hierarchy.
How does language affect the protagonists in these stories?
Language acts as a "bridge" or a boundary that limits the characters' potential; the labels assigned to them—and their own internal discourse—force them to conform to traditional gender expectations.
In what way does the paper address the concept of "choices" in society?
The conclusion argues that while we live in a world of seemingly vast choices, many are constrained by cultural norms; it is only through becoming aware of these forced choices that individuals can potentially break the cycle of gender stereotyping.
How does the author characterize the difference between the two female protagonists?
Twain’s Eve is described as a stereotype, while Munro’s unnamed narrator is presented as a more complex, relatable individual who is slowly "walked" into womanhood by the social pressures surrounding her.
- Quote paper
- Ivana Matic (Author), 2017, Differences underlying similarities. Divergent types of characters accentuating gender roles in Twain’s "Eve’s Diary" and Munro’s "Boys and Girls", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/352076
