The Reversal in Stereotypical Gender Roles
The Reversal in Stereotypical Gender Roles
!
In “The Homecoming”, Harold Pinter applies the incessant use of gender
confrontation throughout the entirety of the play; both male and female characters aim to establish their dominance over one another and gain a oneupmanship. The struggle between a matriarchal and patriarchal family dynamic are seen in both the conflict within the characters themselves, as well as outwardly expressing it towards others. Pinter illustrates the men in the play as conveying dark attitudes towards women, while Ruth symbolizes a fulfilled woman through the emotional, physical, and psychological dominance over the men. Being the only lady in the house, Ruth chooses to unleash and sanctify her power as a female by emasculating her male counterparts. Every character in the play reveals their own weakness and strengths through their dialogue and can be analyzed through the knowledge of the human psyche.
!
Pinter’s men in the play display an abnormal sense of hostility towards each
other and share the same ideals of the degradation towards women. They constantly challenge each other to be the top-dog and display their dominance through the use of language, diction, and sexual innuendos. Lenny is the best at this, as his quick wits leave him unafraid to say what is on his mind. Although Joey is the boxer, one who should have physical dominance, Lenny gains his foothold by attacking his father and brothers’ emotional vulnerability. Their power struggle can be psychologically due to
Jessie’s death years prior; it has created a chasm between the men as they are now lacking a mother/wife figure. They are unable to communicate affectionately towards each other and her absence has created a expression barrier for the family; it has made
the men who they are at present. Jessie’s death has not only affected how her family perceives women, but also destroyed the matriarchal structure of the household, of which she was
!
In “The Homecoming”, Harold Pinter applies the incessant use of gender
confrontation throughout the entirety of the play; both male and female characters aim to establish their dominance over one another and gain a oneupmanship. The struggle between a matriarchal and patriarchal family dynamic are seen in both the conflict within the characters themselves, as well as outwardly expressing it towards others. Pinter illustrates the men in the play as conveying dark attitudes towards women, while Ruth symbolizes a fulfilled woman through the emotional, physical, and psychological dominance over the men. Being the only lady in the house, Ruth chooses to unleash and sanctify her power as a female by emasculating her male counterparts. Every character in the play reveals their own weakness and strengths through their dialogue and can be analyzed through the knowledge of the human psyche.
!
Pinter’s men in the play display an abnormal sense of hostility towards each
other and share the same ideals of the degradation towards women. They constantly challenge each other to be the top-dog and display their dominance through the use of language, diction, and sexual innuendos. Lenny is the best at this, as his quick wits leave him unafraid to say what is on his mind. Although Joey is the boxer, one who should have physical dominance, Lenny gains his foothold by attacking his father and brothers’ emotional vulnerability. Their power struggle can be psychologically due to
Jessie’s death years prior; it has created a chasm between the men as they are now lacking a mother/wife figure. They are unable to communicate affectionately towards each other and her absence has created a expression barrier for the family; it has made
the men who they are at present. Jessie’s death has not only affected how her family perceives women, but also destroyed the matriarchal structure of the household, of which she was
Cited: Web. 24 Nov. 2011. Helene Keyssar Theatre Journal , Vol. 33, No. 3 (Oct., 1981), pp. 365-376. The John Hopkins University Press Pinter, Harold. The Homecoming. New York: Grove, 1966. Print. "Why Men Hate Women." New Internationalist. Web. 24 Nov. 2011. .