A Long Way Gone Theme Analysis

Introduction to the Feminist Lens

You ever thought about how we look at literature? It's kind of a big deal. The way you approach a story can totally change how you see it. There's this thing called the "literary lens," which is just a fancy way of saying you look at texts from different angles. It’s like finding hidden meanings that weren't so obvious before. One angle is the feminist lens, focusing on women's roles in stories. This method highlights patriarchal ideas and exposes misogyny, often found in writing about women.

Understanding "The Necklace"

Guy de Maupassant's story, "The Necklace," written back in 1884, tells us about Mathilde Loisel. She’s this middle-class French woman who's never really happy with what she has. Always dreaming of more — expensive stuff, fancy dinners — while her husband’s just fine with what they’ve got. When she borrows a diamond necklace for a party from her wealthy friend, things go downhill after she loses it. Turns out, her chase for wealth only leads her to poverty.

Though many know Maupassant for his tales of class struggle, the feminist lens offers another view on "The Necklace." Mathilde’s life shows a clear gender imbalance; stuck at home while her husband works. Her escape into fantasies of glamour points to the societal pressures she faces as a woman.

The Story of an Hour: A Fresh Perspective

Now let's chat about Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour" from 1894. Louise Mallard learns that her husband died and feels unexpectedly free. Sadly, when he walks in alive later, she's so shocked she dies on the spot! The story’s rich with symbolism; like Louise’s heart condition reflecting her mixed feelings about marriage and that open window symbolizing new chances.

Chopin was quite ahead of her time, pushing against the norms by showing women craving independence even when society didn’t approve. Through Louise Mallard's story, Chopin reveals how even good marriages were suffocating back then.

"Hills Like White Elephants": Analyzing Hemingway

Then there's Hemingway’s "Hills Like White Elephants," written much later in 1927. It’s set in Spain where a man and woman are waiting for a train and talking indirectly about an abortion the man wants her to have. Their convo doesn’t go deep because they’re not really communicating well.

The story uses symbols subtly to suggest themes — fields representing choices between keeping or ending a pregnancy. Unlike the previous authors, Hemingway wasn’t known as a feminist ally but still sheds light on women's struggles during the evolving feminist movement.

Conclusion: Reflecting On Women's Roles

Using the feminist lens to explore these stories shows us how women's roles were depicted during their times. In "The Necklace," "The Story of an Hour," and "Hills Like White Elephants," we see women struggling against societal norms and seeking freedom in different ways.

References

• Maupassant, G., & Brackett, V. (2010). “The Necklace.” Masterplots.
• Chopin, K., & Evans, R.C. (2014). “The Story of an Hour.” Introduction to Literary Context: American Short Fiction.
• Holladay, H. (2004). “Hills Like White Elephants.” Masterplots II: Short Story Series.