Catbird Seat Stereotypes

The war of the sexes is as old as time itself and Thurber’s “The Catbird Seat” provides an interesting point of view in this ongoing war. While the protagonist, Mr. Erwin Martin, displayed characteristics stereotypically common of the female sex, his nemesis, Mrs. Ulgine Barrows, displayed characteristics more commonly observed in men. These two characters did not understand each other, nor did they seem to want to bridge the gap. Thurber’s story is set in the early 1940’s, creating an expectation of roles within society and the workplace. Women were taught to be mild and submissive, while men were encouraged to be outgoing and aggressive. This story also involves strength verses intelligence while reversing roles and expectations. During the 1940’s women
Barrows. Ulgine Barrows was employed at F & S in an important position, one that, during this time period, would have traditionally been held by a strong-willed man. Women were told what to do, not the other way around; consequently, Mr. Martin believed that she should not have been in this position of authority and resented the boisterous Mrs. Barrows. Mrs. Barrows had gained her position through feminine wiles and not her skill set, enforcing Mr. Martin’s belief that her authority was insufficient and did not qualify her to make changes at the smooth-running firm. Mrs. Barrows was a loud, obnoxious woman, who used silly phrases, which infuriated Mr. Martin, making her the perfect foe for the mild-mannered, weak-willed Mr. Martin, who preferred things to remain the same. A creature of habit, Mr. Martin kept his department in order, everything being in the proper place, just as he did his personal life. Routine was necessary and without that , and Mr. Martin’s