Symbolism And Symbolism In Esther's Esther

Firstly, Esther’s mental state is aggravated by the strict societal expectations placed on women in the 1950’s. Esther is torn between trying to conform to the role of the obedient women at this time, while also seeking independence from the male patriarchy. Esther is taught to be everything and nothing: to be pleasant, well-educated and successful - but also that she will always be in a position of subordination to men. Esther does not wish to submit to the lifestyle expected of her, but is often left in confusion due to how often the ideas are reiterated to her. She faces a conflict between her ambition and the roles placed on her by society. In the novel, two other characters in particular represent this difference of ideals to Esther: her mother, who attempts to perpetuate the idea of the conventional path as the only way; and the editor of the magazine Esther interns for, Jay Cee, who symbolizes the independent woman. Esther’s mother is the stereotypical depiction of a woman in the 1950’s, and because of this she frequently questions Esther her choices. Mrs. Greenwood is a housewife who married her
Esther idolizes Jay Cee and wishes she “had a mother like [her]” (39). This is because Jay Cee is a successful business woman who symbolizes the idea of female independence that Esther desires. However, this again causes conflict for Esther because not even Jay Cee can encompass a combination of the two worlds. Esther says that “Jay Cee ha[s] brains, so her plug-ugly looks d[on’t] seem to matter” (5), even though they do matter to Esther because Jay Cee does not have any relationships in her life. Despite Esther’s admiration of Jay Cee’s success, she does not necessarily wish to have the same lonely life. Esther is still stuck attempting to find a role model who represents a balance between the traditional role of women and modern