The understanding of a "traditional" gender role depends on innumerable things. For instance it is important to know which time period is applied because of historical, cultural and social happenings in that time. Therefore, traditional gender roles are based on standards or norms created by society. The novel "Moon Tiger" written by Penelope Lively takes place in the century of the Great War and World War II. In that time, the two sociologists Talcott Parsons and Robert Freed Bales established the theory that gender roles of men and women are divided. The distinction is that the male gender role represents the function as a breadwinner and worker, whereas the female gender role is personified by childcaring tasks and domestic works. They suggest that traditional women and men are supposed to do certain things, and act in a particular manner. For thinking traditional, it is best going back to the Bible. Referenced to that, traditional thinking about gender roles also includes religion as well as the Bible for the sake of suggested and expected behavior patterns.
When analyzing traditional gender roles in Penelope Lively’s "Moon Tiger" it becomes obvious that Jasper corresponds with traditional gender roles, and Claudia is a character who does not comply with that. In the latter case, reasons for this purpose are nonconformities in the traditional thinking by means of the bible, the theory of Parsons and Bales, or general expected characteristic traits. In the following the term "traditional gender roles" or "traditional" refers to the already mentioned definitions.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 How Claudia complies with traditional gender roles
3 Jasper’s compliance with traditional gender roles
4 Conclusion
5 Works Cited
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines how the characters Claudia and Jasper from Penelope Lively's novel "Moon Tiger" relate to traditional gender roles by applying sociological theories and biblical standards.
- Analysis of traditional gender role definitions in a historical and social context.
- Examination of Claudia’s independent character as a contrast to traditional expectations.
- Evaluation of Jasper’s behavior as a manifestation of the instrumental leader role.
- Comparison of literary character development with Parsons and Bales' sociological theory.
- Assessment of family and marriage dynamics through the lens of biblical tradition.
Excerpt from the Book
3 Jasper’s compliance with traditional gender roles
In the middle of the 20 twentieth century, Parsons and Bales characterized the fathering role in terms of instrumental functions such as providing income, protecting the family, and having discipline. “When the husband-father takes on the instrumental role, he helps to maintain the basic social and physical integrity of the family, by providing food and shelter and linking the family to the world outside the home” (Lindsey 5). After Jasper comes to know from Claudia’s pregnancy, he fits into the raster of Parsons and Bales theory. He will be a father and takes on the instrumental role, although the two of them will not be wedded. Claudia is the person who does not want to marry. “I’m certainly not suggesting we get married.’ ‘No says Jasper, ‘I don’t imagine you are. But naturally I shall wish to play my part.’” (Moon Tiger 11). Obviously, Jasper is poised for his father role and furthermore he achieves the instrumental functions of Parsons and Bales. For instance “he is a clever successful entrepreneur” (Moon Tiger 9), thus he can provide income and food. To repeat that he is ready to play his part as a father, he is able to protect, provide shelter, and help the family in parts of basic social, and physical integrity. Jasper is a character who complies with traditional gender roles concerning Parsons and Bales theory of an instrumental leader.
Moreover, in the theory of Parsons and Bales it is argued that “there is less disruption and competition, thus more harmony and stability, when spouses assume complimentary and specialized roles” (Lindsey 5). Incidentally, when discrepancy from expressive and instrumental roles occurs or when the roles overlap to a great extent, the relationship between men and women “is propelled into a temporary state of disequilibrium” (Lindsey 5). As already discussed, Claudia does not comply with her traditional gender role concerning the expressive term. Hence, it is hard for Jasper to deal with Claudia. He often argues with her because of behavior. “The sex was prolonged and memorable; the quarrel also”. “Opinionated and dogmatic as ever, said Jasper, the trouble with you is you have no flexibility of mind” (Moon Tiger 49).
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: This chapter establishes the theoretical framework regarding traditional gender roles, incorporating Parsons and Bales' sociology and biblical perspectives.
2 How Claudia complies with traditional gender roles: This section analyzes Claudia's character as a departure from traditional norms, focusing on her career, views on marriage, and motherhood.
3 Jasper’s compliance with traditional gender roles: This chapter highlights Jasper's alignment with the instrumental leader role and his conventional approach to masculinity.
4 Conclusion: The final chapter summarizes the diverging paths of the two characters and confirms that while Jasper adheres to traditional norms, Claudia largely resists them.
5 Works Cited: This section lists all academic sources and literature used in the preparation of the paper.
Keywords
Moon Tiger, Penelope Lively, gender roles, traditional gender roles, Talcott Parsons, Robert Freed Bales, instrumental leader, expressive leader, marriage, motherhood, sociology, literature analysis, masculinity, femininity, biblical perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this academic paper?
The paper explores the compliance of the characters Claudia and Jasper in Penelope Lively's novel "Moon Tiger" with traditional gender role expectations.
Which theoretical frameworks are central to the analysis?
The analysis primarily utilizes the sociological theories of Talcott Parsons and Robert Freed Bales, complemented by traditional values derived from biblical texts.
What is the primary goal of the research?
The goal is to determine to what extent the characters represent or defy the traditional gender roles of the mid-20th century, specifically the distinction between instrumental and expressive leaders.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The author uses a qualitative literary analysis, applying external sociological and religious definitions to interpret character actions and personality traits within the novel.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the text?
The main body focuses on Claudia’s rejection of conventional domestic roles and Jasper’s acceptance of his role as a provider and instrumental leader.
What are the characterizing keywords of this work?
Key terms include "Moon Tiger," "gender roles," "instrumental leader," "sociology," and "literary analysis."
Why does Claudia not conform to the traditional mother role?
Claudia is characterized as independent and focused on her profession, explicitly stating that she does not find fulfillment in traditional child-rearing tasks.
How does Jasper react to the prospect of fatherhood?
Jasper accepts the responsibilities of a father and displays readiness to play his part, aligning himself with the traditional role of a provider despite the fact that he and Claudia do not marry.
- Citation du texte
- Janine Bergmeir (Auteur), 2014, How the Characters of Claudia and Jasper comply with traditional Gender Roles in "Moon Tiger" by Penelope Lively, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/997423
