Mingyu Kim
121015
World Literature: Feminism seen through Alice Munro's "Prue" and Mavis Gallant's "My Heart is Broken"
Feminism in literature saw its rise during the 19th century as the feminist movement emerged as an important social movement. The first wave, as the movement's beginning is commonly called, started from the 19th century and spanned for nearly a hundred years until around 1960s. The first wave mostly emphasized rights and equality, mostly politically. The second wave, lasting from around 1960s to late 19th century, highlighted the social and cultural equality of women, especially regarding social expectations about women. The third wave, which began in the late 19th century and is still in effect, mostly emphasizes the portrayal of societies' perception of women rather than actively displaying as in the first wave the social limits and violations of women's rights.
Feminism can clearly be depicted through literature in a variety of ways, as seen in the different waves of feminism. Mavis Gallant's "My Heart is Broken" (1961) and Alice Munro's "Prue" (1981) are both short stories that reflect that feminist movement--they both possess very similar elements yet the stories are expressed by each author in very different perspectives.
In Mavis Gallant's "My Heart is Broken" (1961), the contrast between social expectations and personal interests are explicitly shown. Therefore, this story would fit into the second wave feminism. There is Mrs. Thompson, who is the more traditional women of the time and believes that women should stay at home, stay out of trouble, and fulfill her duty as a loyal wife. And in contrast to Mrs. Thompson, there is Jeannie, who seemingly desires a freer role in life and possesses personal interests. From what the readers learn about Jeannie, it seems that she is also quite open minded about having casual relationship with men as seen in her relationship with the German at where she previously lived. Though it is rather clear from a feminist standpoint that Jeannie is the more desirable and modern woman who challenges the traditional beliefs, it would be unfair to conclude that Jeannie is the enlightened ideal woman who every feminist at the time lived up to be since Jeannie was still greatly influenced by the traditional beliefs of the time as well. How Jeannie sadly states how she thought "they all liked me" and how she wouldn't have made the fuss had the rapist "at least liked her" shows that Jeannie is only used to being loved and admired by her husband Vern like a pretty flower.
Alice Munro's "Prue" (1981) was similar to "My Heart is Broken" in that they both highlight social expectations about women and how women respond to them. However, "Prue" is much more subtle in depicting this as a clear conflict between social expectations and personal interests is not shown. This makes sense in a third wave feminism story like "Prue" because by this time, the focus has already shifted away from the necessity of basic rights and social equality, and the urgency of the matter has also died down to a degree as well so the depiction of the story need not be as radical. The narrator tells the readers that Prue is a very likeable person. But looking at how nonchalant Prue is about her relationships leaves the readers wondering whether Prue truly meets the social expectation by being casual as part of her own natural personality or if she herself has adapted to the social expectations to become accepted. The narrator states that Prue "hated to be thought suspicious" but this is probably because she believes that to be thought suspicious is not a socially desirable trait. Prue is definitely similar to Jeannie in that she is very open about having sex and maintaining casual relationship with men. But Prue seems to be much more mature or at least much more aware of the social expectations of her role.
As I read the two stories, I felt that "Prue" came to me much more personally than "My Heart is Broken." Granted, "My Heart is Broken" did depict the conflict of views much more explicitly so it was naturally easier to understand the feminist element. However, I felt that "Prue" came to me as something more than just a feminist depiction as everyone, to some degree, feel the social expectations on their shoulders and strive to meet that standard. It's part of a survival strategy. Personally, when I endure a failure of some sort, I learn to get over it by being casual about it. Once you tell yourself repeatedly that it is not a big deal, it gets into your head. Eventually, I'm able to make jokes about my failures and laugh with my friends about it.
Solid. Nice intro and good job of covering some bases before you jump in. But make sure you know how to use terms like "19th century" etc., as that implies 1801 to 1900.
답글삭제I am not sure what we can say about Jeannie, to be honest. She is not the most sympathetic character one would conceive as a feminist creation, and we are almost tempted to side with Mrs. Thompson. Basically, Jeannie is perhaps in shock and hasn't really come to terms with the rape or herself as a woman beyond a pretty face. Sad more than anything.
Prue is a more modern woman in an urban setting. I don't think she's unusual even for 1981. But she is definitely outside the societal norm of a mid 40's woman and the life we perceive as normal. Not as much of a feminist agenda here so much as post modernist characterization and a glimpse of how relationships change once you've been through divorce and raised children.
Conlclusion went a bit off topic and your final sentences should wrap up the essay. Your personal connection is welcome but you should bookend what your initial statment more neatly.