Comparing the Depiction of Gender roles in Two Unlikely Literatures. Sophocle and David Ives - Essay Example

Comparing the Depiction of Gender roles in Two Unlikely Literatures Gender role, especially the stature of females in the society and in the eyes of males has been a common topic of literary works in every era and generation till date. Be it an ancient Theban tragedy or a tale of modern era nuclear family, depiction and rejection of the stereotypical images of males and females has been a dominant theme in most literary works. This paper is an attempt to analyze two literary works from different eras and explore the commonalities and/or disparities evident in the depiction of such stereotypical gender roles. The two works selected for this paper are acclaimed plays from Sophocles and David Ives. Sophocles tragedy Antigone is among the three legendary Theban plays and was written prior to 441 BC. David Ives’ play Sure Thing was presented in 1988 and is a part of Ives collection of stories “All in the Timing”. Antigone is a classic drama dwelling along the predictable lines of tyrannical rule, injustice, lust for power and the aftereffects of divine intervention. However, through Antigone, the leading lady, Ismene, and Eurydice, Sophocles comprehensively depicts the status of women in ancient Greek society and the awkward division of gender roles. It is made clear from the very first scene that women were considered subordinate to males. Females were believed to be unequal, weak, indecisive and incapable beings. Creon’s mentioning of the fact that “Wives that are vile, I love not for my son” indicates that only docile and meek women were considered perfect for marriage (Sophocles 652). “Ye Slaves! Our women henceforth must be kept” is probably the best line of the play that truly depicts the mentality of males (Sophocles 660). Ismene and Eurydice represent the stereotypical female figures that are clearly afraid of the wrath of men who ruled them. They considered themselves subordinate to men and much weaker in strength and will power. For this we need remember, we were born Women; as such, not made to strive with men. And next, that they who reign surpass in strength, And we must bow to this, and worse than this. (Sophocles 72) The society in Sophocles’ era was plagued by such laws that defied women freedom to live, speech and free-will. These laws were devised by men but implemented in the name of God to oppress the women and to control them. One such law was that “A woman shall not rule” as Creon puts it in a straightforward manner (Sophocles 592). Antigone in her conversation with Creon mentions the arbitrary nature of the laws by calling them “plain” and “unwritten laws of God” and asserts that Zeus cannot create such laws that are without justice and traced only ”for all the sons of men” (Sophocles 496). Women are not allowed to take decisions or have their say in any matter and this is why Antigone’s decision to bury her brother is deemed rebellious by Creon. Women who dared to voice their opinions were given such severe punishments that compelled them to “shrink in fear” (Sophocles 660). Eurydice’s suicide is an indication of the fact that either death or surrendering to the will of males was the only probable solution for women even if she was the queen like Eurydice or H?mon’s fiance Antigone. Women were also victimized beings and, as is clearly mentioned at several occasions in the play, torturing was one of the favored punishments that were considered feasible for opinionated women (Sophocles 620). Antigone stood against oppression and takes her own life in the end but this does not depict female subjugation but actually shows her rejection of detestable norms and regressive male approach. On the other hand, Sure Thing is a simple and lighthearted one-act comic play presented in Ives’ trademark humorous style of narration. Sure Thing comprehensively highlights the altered norms of gender roles in contemporary society. Betty and Bill share a similar equation where no one is deemed superior to the other. Betty is shown more intelligent than Bill. The constant references to her reading William Faulkner’s “The Sound and the Fury” and Bill’s lack of knowledge about the actual author of this book strengthens this point. The usage of Bell sounds throughout the play, however, highlights an important turn that gender roles have taken today, which is of a domineering sense of competitiveness. In Sure Thing, both characters try to outweigh each other and prove their point but repressive or sexist comments are never used. It is also important to note that Ives intentionally included the passage in which Betty tell Bill that she knows the reason behind his advances, which is to take her to his place (8). This expresses that objectification of women still exists in modern society. One positive aspect is the stress Ives has given on giving each other second chances, which strengthens the notion that gender roles have certainly been evolved for the better. Another point that becomes clear through Sure Thing is the unjust custom of labeling a person on the basis of socio-economic status and outward appearance. This becomes evident when Betty informs that she hails from Pakistan and Bill reacts arrogantly by saying “Oh Pakistan” (Ives 8). An analysis of both plays bring forth the verdict that the depiction of gender roles is at some points different and in some ways similar, which is certainly due to the changed circumstances, priorities and perceptions of society. Sophocles play depicts an utterly oppressive male dominated society where women are subordinates. Sophocles although presents a new and much-anticipated avatar of females through Antigone, but in the end she is unable to succeed in living with dignity. The fate of Antigone is not shown any different from that of Ismene and Eurydice and there is a certain aura of fear, fright and submissiveness that becomes obvious right from the first scene. Comparatively, in Sure Thing Ives convincingly portrays the somewhat reformed avatar of gender roles in a new-age society that is relatively different from Sophocles time. The characters of Betty and Bill are in every way akin to modern day lifestyle and demeanors. However, one point becomes clear that gender roles have not gone through tremendous upheaval in contemporary society too but to some extent a tradition of acceptance for the fairer sex and a sense of equality has dawned. Ives has shown that today the fear and oppression has faded away and affinity, consensus, and supportiveness have taken the center stage but females are still objectified and stereotypical images of women still prevail. A significant point of similarity in both the plays is that the main female characters share some stark resemblances. Antigone has been portrayed by Sophocles as an emblem of feminism. This character was conceived by Sophocles ages before the feminist revolution got initiated and therefore, it can be considered a character written well ahead of her time. She was aware of her rights and had the courage to stand up against injustice. Sure Thing’s Betty also comes across as a fearless, straightforward and confident woman. Both women are strong-willed, forthright, courageous, and not scared from the social stature or physical strength of males. Betty in Sure Thing also eventually gives in to the demand of Bill but only after he convinces her. This propels the notion that Betty is a woman who believes in herself and is not ready to follow orders just like Antigone. Another similarity is that males in both plays are shown to be hypocrites, attention seekers and opportunists. It is clear that Antigone and Sure Thing although cover similar themes like contradictory gender-based settlement and unjust segregation of individual roles in society. From the conversation between the characters of Sure Thing one aspect comes forth that the society’s perception towards females and feminism has altered a bit and women no longer happen to be the lonely oppressed beings of ancient era. This becomes clear because Sophocles portrays oppressive women ending their lives to sustain their honor, whereas Ives shows a woman who is not only in control of her life but also her emotions and is strong enough to prove her worth. On the whole, Antigone and Sure Thing portray that females in every era have been strong-willed, dedicated, courageous and straightforward and males have always been looking for grabbing an opportunity to exploit women. To some extent gender roles have taken a turn in the right direction but still there is a lot that remains to be fixed. Works Cited Ives, David. All in the timing: fourteen plays. Vintage Books, 1988. 1-19. Print. Sophocles, . Antigone. RicherResourcesPublications, 2007. 6-60. Print. Read More