Men and Women Flashcards
Context and Themes
Give an example from Act One where Sheila fits into gender stereotypes.
Sheila fits into the stereotype of women being interested in appearances in Act One. She is described as “still admiring her ring” rather than concentrating on her father’s speech.
In Act One, Arthur says that for women clothes are “a sort of sign or token of their self-respect”.
What does this suggest about his attitude towards women?
This quote shows that Arthur believes in the stereotype that women are obsessed with clothes and appearance, to the extent that they linked to a woman’s “self-respect”. This could suggest that his attitude towards women is old-fashioned and patronising.
There were different standards for when men and women in 1912. Describe one way this is shown in the play.
Eva / Daisy feels that she has to lie to the committee about being married as she worries they will reject her appeal for having a sexual relationship before marriage. Gerald, however, faces no consequences for having an affair, even though he’s also unmarried.
Explain how gender stereotypes have been challenged by the end of the play
Sheila challenges gender stereotypes towards the end of the play, as she becomes more assertive and willing to challenge her father. For example, she goes against his wishes by breaking off her engagement to Gerald, telling him “Don’t interfere”.
How is Arthur’s treatment of Sheila differed to the way he treats Eva / Daisy?
What does this suggest about the treatment of women from different classes?
Arthur tries to protect his daughter from the Inspector’s investigation because she is a “young unmarried girl”. He doesn’t try to protect Eva / Daisy even though she is also young and unmarried — instead he dismisses her from her job for asking for more money. This suggests that working-class women were treated more harshly than women of higher social status.
