Machinal’s Representation of Gender

The representation of gender in particular in the recent has been strongly manifested in theater, music, dance, and other performance practices. some of the time, these performances determination to explore gender inequality which is unmatched of the closely controversial political trends in hi stratum especially during the early twentieth century. The issue of gender inequality seems to be an unending concern that is still passing debated in the contemporary world. Humans cultural, religious, and brotherly orientation differences make this theater of operations timeless. A womans sociable role in history is hold and regimented to home, motherhood, and sexual partner.In the past, these constructed social roles wedded to women used to prevent them from universe involved in politics and some(prenominal) social activities which, as a result, hindered them to amply explore their potentials and capability. The lam Machinal written by Sophie Treadwell is altogether one of the literary pieces that subtly illustrate how women were treated and approached in history. Helen, the chief(prenominal) protagonist of the play, is trapped in a male dominated society move by the trend of forced spousal relationship ceremony were love is considered unnecessary.The play mainly features a woman who, after seeing the existence of her situation, is support to perform wickedness. Machinal is a cataclysm and drama which presents the events from the point of view of a progeny woman. The first episode of the play with the bunk as the main picture shows the authentic personality of the young woman. Her overlook of interest and focus in an office work manifested in her tardiness shows that she feels subdued by her work. She cannot stand the stifling crowd in the subway who seem to enjoy their routinary job.The sounds of tool going, which continue throughout the scene advisedly illustrate the machine-like quality of the surrounding (Treadwell 1). sanction or se cretarial work precondition to women symbolizes their lack of opportunity in life story world. The sound of clattering typewriters, adding machines, and ringing telephones metaphorically depicts the check and oppressive world of women during 1920s. They were perceived as the inferior gender not unless physically but intellectually, limiting their chances to draft in a more militant and challenging job.However, as a young woman eager for new benevolent adventure, love, and life, Helen does not fit in such a constricted work environment. The event of Helen depicts the emergence of modern American women who impart woken up to the reality that women are more than how the society perceives them. At that time, women like Helen were starting line to unconsciously establish a mental capacity that they have much to offer beyond the confines of home and motherhood. Demoralized in her new role as a mother, Helens discouragement from the birth of her young woman in episode four is only one of the consequences highlighted in a matrimony devoid of emotion.Her total dependency on her husband financially forced her to tour in a loveless marriage and eventually made her conform to the given roles. Thus, this episode suggests that, just like most women in the early 20th century, Helen unify for the purpose of financial security and position. Most women at that time were willing participants or victims who totally conformed to the societys standard. However, when Helen met a man who introduced her to the new experience of passing passion, she finally realized how society has throttle her and how her husband, George, has unconsciously dominated her every decision.With her feelings of hopelessness, Helen fixed to murder her husband to free herself from the constraints of the society. The story or play was created during 1920s when there was already an emergence of womens work by the group of feminists in the U. S. that want for equality with men. The abstract presentation and raillery over womens status that started from 1846 encouraged different kinds of literature to explore the issue of gender inequality (Imbornoni). The character of Helen presents a subtle reality in the past that inspires and reminds contemporary women that they must enjoy a wider freedom they have right now.