Refer closely to the literary and non-literary texts you have studied. Explore how gender roles are constructed through linguistic and literary strategies in the marriage proposals of Mr Collins and the Marquis of Walderhurst.

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        Suheyla Yucebag

                    13.3

English Coursework

Refer closely to the literary and non-literary texts you have studied. Explore how gender roles are constructed through linguistic and literary strategies in the marriage proposals of Mr Collins and the Marquis of Walderhurst. How do these proposals reject the period in which they were written?

When looking at the connection between language and gender it can be seen that due to the male dominated society, language used today is not equitable to both sexes. As a result of male domination throughout history the English language is derogatory

towards the female sex. Although equal rights for women are at its highest, sexual stereotypes in society still remain.

Examining the different pulp fiction novels from the 50’s and 60’s, it can be seen that there is a contrast to the way men and women are portrayed. The male characters are represented as strong, authoritative, successful men, whilst the female characters are portrayed as dependent on their appearance and sexuality. These are an example of the novels conforming to the standardized image in society. Researching on semantic derogation in language, it can be seen that even the basic terms used to identify a male or female, had sexually insulting connotations to them. For example, a masculine term such as ‘Lord’ has positive relations, as it connotates power and status. Yet the feminine equivalent of ‘Lady’ has over time assumed demeaning connotations such as ‘lollipop lady’ and ‘cleaning lady’. Likewise, the term ‘Master’ and ‘Mistress’ assume different meanings, as mistresses are often related to adultery and unfaithfulness, while masters are related to skill and status. Similarly, the term ‘bachelor’ and the female equivalent ‘spinster’ have contradictory connotations, as the term referring to the female is negative.

A specific kind of asymmetry, in ‘marked’ and ‘unmarked’ terms distinguish examples within language. For example, a word such as ‘lion’ is a marked term while ‘lioness’ is an unmarked term. This establishes that the male gender is more dominant in the way terms are devoted. Further examples of ‘marked’ and ‘unmarked’ terms are ‘actor’ and ‘actress’, also ‘waiter’ and ‘waitress’, which again show irregularity of certain words, which diminishes women. The construction of our language mirrors the way in which we see the world. This is an example from the Sapir-

Whorf. This would mean that English-speaking individuals view women as the weaker sex, and the traditional male dominated world remains prominent regardless of the vastly growing equal rights developments. Studying language in relation to social factors show a significant distinction between phrases for those of men and those for women. These phrases were colloquial interpretations of the male and female gentalia. The phrases revolving around the male gentalia are often used for comical aspects whereas the female terms are more offensive. This is suggesting how the female is unvalued whilst being compared against a man. Adjectives are almost divided between the two sexes. Words used to describe women suggest subordination whilst words describing men depict dominance and power. For example it is common to hear a woman described as ‘fragile’ or ‘elegant’ yet these words are very rarely related to a man. A regular sexual stereotyping that is common in our daily lives is identifying gender. A woman will be asked to distinguish whether she is married or single by choosing between the terms ‘Mrs’ and ‘Miss’, whereas a man does not have to specify his martial status and only has the option of ‘Mr’. Being specifically asked to identify status deprives women from their private lives. However as society is becoming more equitable women also have the choice of using ‘Ms’ which identifies gender rather than martial status. Evident changes are occurring in relation to the way in which women are seen in society. The ‘housewife’ stereotype is slowly changing as women are becoming more independent due to the changes in laws and peoples values. Yet these stereotypes still have not been totally subverted within the English Language as many still remain in present time literature and media. However there is no doubt that there is an immense change in the way women are perceived today.

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The Book of Common Prayer is one that enshrines the Church of England Doctrine. This version is based on Thomas Cranmer’s version written around 1550 during the reign of Edward VI. The Form of Solemnization of Matrimony treats marriage not as ‘sacrament’ but as a moral human relationship. Nonetheless enshrines male dominance and female subordination. There are clear and precise divisions in gender roles through the use of register. These ideas were seen as the norm during the time of period in which it was written. Male domination was accepted during this time and it was sanctioned as a ...

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