Gendered language (Streetcar)

Question 1

What does Lakoff argue about women’s speech? (4)

Answer 1

Many of the features she identifies seem to have relevance to William’s portrayal of male and female linguistic behaviour.
Lexical hedges
‘empty’ adjectives
‘hypercorrect’ grammar.

Question 2

What is the myth of the Southern Belle? (2)

Answer 2

Blance was ecpected to be innocent, child-like and submissive and in return she was promised chivalry and romance from her mild-mannered Southern gentleman (Shep).
Her costumes and accessories display her role as southern belle.
She constructs her identity through ‘feminine’ language choices and avoids obscene language.

Question 3

What is the masculine mythology?

Answer 3

Stanley uses obscene expressions and profanities.
He is very straight forward and aggressive.
It can be argued that he is a victim of masculine ideology.

Question 4

What is the social functions of empty phrases? (2)

Answer 4

Blanche uses them which is a feminine characteristic by Lakoff.
She resorts to hyperboliv empty adjectives to fill the void of a deafening silence.

Question 5

How does Willams use colour? (3)

Answer 5

Lakoff argues that women are more precise when naming colours which is absent from men’s vocabulary.
One interpretation could be due to a class struggle.
The lower-classes characters and settings are described as ‘raw colours’ which contrasts with Blanche’s soft, subtle colours.

Question 6

What does Lakoff argue about women avoiding assertive language?

Answer 6

Women’s language was marked by a lack of assertiveness.
Hedges were used in speech to show the speaker’s uncertainty.
It could link to a lack of confidence or a gentle way of communication.