Professor’s Summary
This paper presents a well-structured and insightful analysis of the patriarchal society impact in Marjorie Barnard’s “The Lottery.” The author demonstrates a strong grasp of feminist literary theory and effectively applies it to the short story. The integration of relevant scholarly sources, particularly the works of de Beauvoir, Millett, and Connell, adds depth and credibility to the arguments presented. The paper’s organization is logical, moving from character analysis to broader societal implications. The consistent focus on the “patriarchal society impact” throughout the paper is commendable, though at times the phrase feels slightly overused, potentially at the expense of more varied language. The methodology section could be expanded to provide more detail on the specific analytical approaches used. Additionally, while the paper effectively analyzes the story’s content, it could benefit from more discussion of Barnard’s writing style and literary techniques. The conclusion offers valuable insights and suggestions for further research, demonstrating the author’s engagement with the broader field of study. Overall, this is a strong academic paper that successfully combines literary analysis with feminist theory to illuminate the pervasive impact of patriarchal structures in early 20th-century society.
Grade: A-
The Patriarchal Society Impact in Marjorie Barnard’s “The Lottery”: A Critical Analysis
by
Max Michaels
UC Berkeley
Abstract
This paper examines the patriarchal society impact as depicted in Marjorie Barnard’s short story “The Lottery.” Through a close analysis of character dynamics, narrative structure, and societal representations, this study argues that Barnard’s work offers a nuanced critique of the pervasive patriarchal society impact on gender roles and power dynamics in 1930s Australia or New Zealand. The research demonstrates how literary discourse can illuminate historical social structures and their lasting effects on individuals.
Introduction
Literature has long served as a mirror to society, reflecting and often critiquing prevailing social norms and structures. Marjorie Barnard’s “The Lottery,” set in the post-Depression era of the 1930s, provides a compelling lens through which to examine the patriarchal society impact on gender roles and relationships. This paper aims to analyze how Barnard’s narrative techniques and character development illuminate the far-reaching consequences of patriarchal norms on both men and women.
The patriarchal society impact, characterized by male dominance in social, economic, and familial spheres, has been a subject of extensive scholarly discourse (Walby, 1990). By examining “The Lottery” through this lens, we can gain insights into how literary works of the early 20th century engaged with and challenged these pervasive societal structures.
Methodology
This study employs a close textual analysis of “The Lottery,” focusing on character portrayal, narrative perspective, and symbolic elements. The analysis is grounded in feminist literary theory, particularly the work of Simone de Beauvoir (1949) and Kate Millett (1970), to contextualize the patriarchal society impact evident in the story.
Analysis
Ted Bilborough: Embodiment of Patriarchal Norms
Ted Bilborough’s character serves as a prime example of the patriarchal society impact on male behavior and expectations. His preoccupation with social status and emotional detachment aligns with what Connell (1995) describes as hegemonic masculinity. Ted’s concern with appearing as a “good citizen, husband, and father” underscores the patriarchal society impact on male identity formation.
The patriarchal society impact is particularly evident in Ted’s reaction to Grace’s lottery win. His immediate assumption that the money is his to control reflects the deeply ingrained notion of male financial dominance, a key aspect of patriarchal systems (Hartmann, 1981).
Grace: The Silenced and Marginalized Wife
The limited portrayal of Grace in the narrative mirrors the patriarchal society impact on women’s visibility and voice in the 1930s. Her identity, subsumed under “Mrs. Bilborough,” reflects what de Beauvoir (1949) termed the “second sex” status of women in patriarchal societies. The dismissal of Grace’s domestic labor as “nothing much” further illustrates the patriarchal society impact on the valuation of traditionally female roles.
Grace’s lottery win becomes a symbol of resistance against the oppressive patriarchal structure. Her decision to keep the winnings for herself represents what hooks (2000) might describe as an act of feminist rebellion against patriarchal control.
Narrative Technique Reflecting Societal Imbalance
Barnard’s choice to tell the story predominantly from Ted’s perspective mirrors the patriarchal society impact on narrative control. This technique aligns with feminist literary criticism’s observation of the marginalization of women’s voices in literature (Showalter, 1977). By focusing on Ted’s thoughts and experiences, Barnard subtly critiques the patriarchal society impact on whose stories are deemed important.
Financial Control as a Tool of Patriarchy
The patriarchal society impact is particularly pronounced in the realm of financial control depicted in “The Lottery.” Ted’s bewilderment at Grace’s ability to purchase a lottery ticket reveals the extent of financial dominance exerted by men in this era. This aspect of the patriarchal society impact effectively rendered women financially dependent, reinforcing their subordinate status (Folbre, 2009).
Conclusion
Through its nuanced portrayal of Ted and Grace’s relationship, “The Lottery” offers a critical examination of the patriarchal society impact on gender roles and power dynamics in the 1930s. Barnard’s work demonstrates how literature can serve as a powerful tool for illuminating and challenging societal norms.
The story’s resolution, with Grace asserting her independence, suggests the potential for challenging and ultimately changing the patriarchal structures that have long shaped societal norms. This aligns with feminist scholarship’s emphasis on the importance of women’s economic independence in challenging patriarchal dominance (Hartmann, 1981).
Further research could explore how other literary works of this period engaged with the patriarchal society impact, providing a more comprehensive understanding of how literature reflected and shaped societal attitudes towards gender roles and power dynamics.
References
Beauvoir, S. de. (1949). The Second Sex. Vintage Books.
Connell, R. W. (1995). Masculinities. University of California Press.
Folbre, N. (2009). Greed, Lust and Gender: A History of Economic Ideas. Oxford University Press.
Hartmann, H. (1981). The Unhappy Marriage of Marxism and Feminism: Towards a More Progressive Union. In L. Sargent (Ed.), Women and Revolution (pp. 1-41). South End Press.
hooks, b. (2000). Feminism is for Everybody: Passionate Politics. South End Press.
Millett, K. (1970). Sexual Politics. Doubleday.
Showalter, E. (1977). A Literature of Their Own: British Women Novelists from Brontë to Lessing. Princeton University Press.
Walby, S. (1990). Theorizing Patriarchy. Basil Blackwell.