1. Introduction
The following paper deals with the female characters in the play “The little foxes”, written by Lillian Hellmann in 1939.
In the United States the role of women in society changed drastically in the 20th century. In the past married women were homebound and dependent on their husbands, but they became active and independent in 1900. The increasing possibilities to work outside the house led to the fact that women became wage- earners. Finally, the women’s attitude to life changed dramatically.
In the beginning of this paper an overview of the historical background, considering the social role of women in the 20th century, is given. Afterwards, the change of the role of women will be exemplified by the female characters of Regina, Birdie and Alexandra in “The Little Foxes”. Especially Regina and Birdie can be seen as contrastive examples because they show in an opposite way how to deal with their powerless role in the Hubbard family.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Role of Women in Society in the 20th Century
- The Role of Women in "The Little Foxes"
- Regina
- Birdie
- Alexandra
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines the portrayal of women in Lillian Hellman's "The Little Foxes," analyzing how their roles reflect the changing societal expectations of women in the 20th century. It compares and contrasts the approaches different female characters take to navigate their circumstances within the patriarchal structure of the Hubbard family.
- The evolving role of women in 20th-century American society.
- The contrasting responses of women to societal limitations and expectations.
- The impact of economic power on women's agency and independence.
- The exploration of materialism and its influence on family dynamics.
- The complex relationships between mothers and daughters within the context of societal pressures.
Chapter Summaries
The Introduction sets the stage by outlining the paper's focus on the female characters in "The Little Foxes" and their connection to the broader societal shifts experienced by women in the 20th century. The chapter on The Role of Women in Society in the 20th Century provides historical context, detailing the limitations faced by women before 1900 and the gradual changes brought about by factors such as World War I and the women's suffrage movement. The section on The Role of Women in "The Little Foxes" introduces the main female characters—Regina, Birdie, and Alexandra—and previews their contrasting approaches to navigating the patriarchal family structure.
The chapter on Regina delves into her ambitious and ruthless pursuit of financial independence within a system that systematically disadvantages women. Her manipulative actions and disregard for others are examined, highlighting her complex personality and the lengths she goes to achieve her goals. The chapter on Birdie (and Alexandra, implicitly) will likely offer a contrasting portrayal of a woman who perhaps adopts a more passive approach to her circumstances.
Keywords
Key terms and concepts explored include the roles of women in 20th-century America, female agency, economic independence, patriarchal structures, family dynamics, materialism, "The Little Foxes," Lillian Hellman, Regina Giddens, Birdie Hubbard, and Alexandra Giddens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central theme of Lillian Hellman's 'The Little Foxes'?
The play explores family dynamics, materialism, and the struggle for power and independence within the patriarchal structure of the Hubbard family in the early 20th century.
How did the role of women change in the United States during the 20th century?
Women transitioned from being primarily homebound and dependent on their husbands to becoming independent wage-earners with increasing social and political agency.
Who are the three main female characters analyzed in this paper?
The paper focuses on Regina Giddens, Birdie Hubbard, and Alexandra Giddens as representatives of different responses to societal expectations.
How does Regina Giddens challenge traditional female roles?
Regina is portrayed as ambitious, ruthless, and determined to achieve financial independence, using manipulation to navigate a system that disadvantages women.
What is the contrast between Regina and Birdie?
Regina actively fights for power and wealth, whereas Birdie represents a more passive and fragile character who suffers under the patriarchal family structure.
What role does Alexandra play in the narrative?
Alexandra represents the younger generation; her development reflects the potential for future independence and a break from the corrupt values of her family.
- Quote paper
- Kira Wieler (Author), 2010, The Role of Women in Lillian Hellman´s "The Little Foxes", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/187298
