theme of marriage Flashcards
(25 cards)
What theme is explored in both Bronte’s Wuthering Heights and Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns?
The theme of marriage as a social commentary reflecting the androcentric tilt of society and misogyny across generations.
How does Bronte explore the theme of marriage in Wuthering Heights?
Through a sociopolitical lens, highlighting patriarchal control.
What aspect of marriage does Hosseini focus on in A Thousand Splendid Suns?
The religious hypocrisy of marriage as a vehicle for discrimination against women.
What historical context is referenced regarding marriage in the novels?
The 1857 Matrimonial Causes Act.
How does marriage serve men in the context of both novels?
As a social construct that perpetuates patriarchal power structures.
What term describes the notion that women are seen as extensions of men?
Antonomasia.
Fill in the blank: In Wuthering Heights, Cathy is assumed to be the ‘______ of the house’.
lady
What does Butler’s gender performativity theory suggest about women’s appearance?
It can be incongruous with the setting and used to their advantage.
What paradigm do Gilbert and Gubar present regarding women in literature?
The monster and angel paradigm.
What does the phrase ‘I am Heathcliff’ signify in Wuthering Heights?
The deep, symbiotic love between Cathy and Heathcliff.
How does ATSS reflect the impact of patriarchal structures on marriage?
Through the theme of polygamy and the subjugation of women.
What does the term ‘harami’ imply in A Thousand Splendid Suns?
It implies that Mariam is seen as illegitimate and inferior.
What does the phrase ‘you have a suitor’ suggest about Mariam’s worth?
That she should be grateful for any offer due to her status.
Fill in the blank: The concept of _______ determinism is a Marxist ideology reflected in the novels.
class
How does marriage act as a function to commodify women?
By reinstating their positions in society as docile and unquestioning.
What does the phrase ‘in the interest of time, we will bypass some of the traditional steps’ signify?
The lack of importance placed on ceremony in Mariam’s marriage.
What does Eagleton suggest about culture in relation to oppression?
‘Culture is a means of oppression.’
What does the burqa symbolize for Mariam in ATSS?
Suppression of female agency and male possession.
What societal expectation is placed on Mariam regarding marriage?
That she must conform to roles expected of women immediately.
What does Cathy’s claim ‘it would degrade me to marry Heathcliff now’ illustrate?
The importance of social mobility and class in marriage.
What is the contrast between Cathy and Mariam regarding their choices in marriage?
Cathy desires to surpass societal limits, while Mariam accepts her fate.
How does Bronte depict the consequences of the patriarchal system in Wuthering Heights?
By showing that marriage can cost a woman her social standing.
What is the significance of the term ‘suffocating’ as described by Mariam regarding her burqa?
It represents the oppressive nature of her circumstances.
What does the strategic nature of marriage reveal about women’s roles in Wuthering Heights?
That women must marry strategically to survive in a patriarchal society.
