The 20th century’s children’s literature novels featured a common theme: traditional domestic roles for women. The 1950 ideal housewife trope is easily recognisable in nearly every novel. It depicts the perfect batch-baking woman in her frilly gowns with puff sleeves. This was a time of repression and when women had to take care of their husbands and homes. Coventry Patmore, a writer who introduced the term “Angel in the House”, reinforced these differences. This essay will be about “Anne of Green Gables,” and “The Hunger Games,” which show women in a different way. Anne’s subtly reinforces domesticity, while Katniss subverts this. Both characters had to overcome obstacles to prove their worth and to be accepted as they were. While they weren’t naturally righteous, their choices forced them to work hard and be persistent. Anne dreamed her escape mechanism against the narrow thinking society. Katniss, however, chose to fight against the capitol dominance. This corrupt system engaged its districts in a sadistic game that leads to slow death. Katniss doesn’t have her agency but Anne does have her agency.
Anne was not advocating for feminist rights. She wrote the book in the early 1900s. Anne’s focus was on Anne’s schoolgirl dreams and more on the beauty of the natural world. Anne was a strong advocate for her family and friends whenever she had to. She is adopted by an Avonlea couple, but soon realizes that she was adopting a boy and not a female. When she convinces Matthew and Marilla that she is a boy, it is the first time she has stood up for herself. “You’d also cry if a child who was an orphan had found a place she wanted to call home but they refused to accept you because of your gender.”
This shows a favoritism for boys. Matthew and Marilla wish to adopt a baby boy to work on their farm. Anne, a girl would be more trouble than help since she couldn’t do any housework.
Anne also proved that she won’t let anyone disrespect her. This was when she showed that she wasn’t a girl who prefers boys to girls. She stands up for herself during Gilbert Blythe’s harassment on her first day at school. Gilbert Blythe is a well-known boy at school. Girls love him for being charismatic and dreamy. Anne makes sure he understands that it’s not okay to touch a girl with her hair. He must pay for his actions regardless of social status.
“She gave Gilbert a indignant look. Her anger was quickly quelled by her tears. She passionately explained that she meant it, a hateful boy. “How dare!” She exclaimed. Anne had set her slate on Gilbert’s forehead and cracked it.
Gilbert was immediately punished by her.
Another instance where she holds her ground is when Ms. Rachel mocks Anne’s red hair and teases her. :
“They didn’t pick them for their looks, that’s certain and sure,” was Mrs. Rachel Lynde. Anne continued to face Mrs. Rachel undauntedly. Head up, eyes wide, hands clenched. Passionate indignation emitted from her like an atmosphere. “How dare I say such things?
While it may seem like they are arguing based on Anne’s looks and dignity, they are actually arguing about Anne’s self-respect.
Anne also proved that she isn’t restricted by a male-dominated society. She can speak out about her feelings and excel in academics.
Anne spoke her mind openly in front everyone. :
I’ve heard it a million, if not once, “I’ve been [children should never be heard] said to you a million of times.” People laugh at my big vocabulary. But big ideas require big words.
Anne loved learning and was determined to be a great academic. She was not afraid to challenge boys and her drive to excel academically saw her defeat the boys in class.
Anne plunged herself into her studies with all her heart, determined to not let Gilbert Blythe down. Gilbert was the head spelling class. Anne was second, but Anne was able to correct him using her red braids. Gilbert completed all his sums and was given his name on the roll of honor. Anne, who had spent the whole evening playing with decimals, would be the first.
Anne didn’t feel discouraged by her sexuality. Being a young girl was enough to make Anne happy. This led her to be ambitious and saved her foster parents’ farm.
If I put in the effort, I will be awarded this scholarship. I am so grateful for such a wealth. They never seem to end, and that’s why it’s so great.
I’m still ambitious. However, I have now changed the goal of my ambition. My future seemed straight ahead. I thought it was possible to see every milestone along the way. It now has a bend. It’s not clear what lies beyond the bend but I will believe that the best I can.
It is worth noting that her foster parents were supportive of her ambition and did not limit her by her gender. Her foster parents were proud of her achievements and she was often praised for doing things traditionally reserved for men.
Matthew patted Anne’s hand and stated, “I’d like to have you rather than a zillion boys, Anne.” You’re right, Anne. I think it was a girl who won the Avery scholarship. It was a boy — it was my daughter — my girl of which I am proud.
Her foster parents supported her going to college. This was something that was only allowed for boys in 1900s. Even though all the other village members told her she shouldn’t go and disapproved of her doing “unwomanly things”, her foster parents let her make the decision.
Mrs. Lynde put her body on the stone seat by the entrance.
It’s almost like Anne lost sight of Marilla’s parenting. It seems that Marilla learns from Anne rather than the other direction. Marilla’s methods of punishment are often wrong.
Anne’s coping mechanism can be described as “dreaming” because, even though Anne had many goals and ambitions in her life, eventually she must become a traditional women and be a wife. Anne changes her career path to care for her family at the home after Matthew’s tragic death. Mathew Gilbert is the boy she had been comparing herself to in academics. She eventually marries him. Anne grows taller and more independent as she approaches puberty. (274). As Anne grows up, her world is slowly reverted to a male-dominated one. Anne is a different character than the imperial women characters. However, as Anne grows up, her desires become a reality. But it is important for you to understand that Anne chose to stay home and help her mother and get married to Gilbert, not to conform to the expectations of society.
Katniss Everdeen is an exception to this rule, as The Hunger Games was not written in a time where women were inferior to men. To survive and get recognized, she must keep up a facade and conform. She is treated as if she’s not there by the Game Makers when she enters their room prior to the games being analyzed. To gain acceptance from the game maker’s sponsors, she shoots an arrow in the Gamemakers’ area to prove her bravery.
I felt furious because they have no decency to even pay attention to my situation, which is my life. I feel like a dead mouse. My heart starts beating faster and my face is burning. I reach for my quiver without thinking and grab an arrow. I hear people scrambling back and raising alarm. The arrow inserts the apple into the mouth of the pig and pins it against the wall. I am astonished at the disbelief of everyone. “Thankyou” I respond. I then bow to the entrance and continue walking, unassisted’iu
She is always forced to act and pretend like she’s someone else, at home and during games.
I used to terrorize my mother when I was younger by the things that I would say about District 12 or the rulers of our country. I eventually learned how to keep my mouth closed and to hide my thoughts behind a mask. My school is quiet. Be polite in the public marketplace… even at my home, where it is more difficult to be pleasant. I don’t discuss difficult topics. The reaping, the food scarcity, and the Hunger games are just a few examples. Prim might say the same thing, and then there would be.
Katniss realises that sponsorship is possible and increases her chances for survival. Katniss plays the role of Peeta’s love, which is a very uncomfortable role.
This is an example of the dual standards for females’ perceptions of society. Panem’s capital is a replica the modern society in which visuals matter. Capitol’s people are sexist. They force Katniss to confess her love for Peeta. They assume Katniss loves Peeta because they both come from the same district. They have certain expectations for how women and men dress, so Katniss is obliged to follow their guidelines.
I have never worn heels before and find it difficult to get used the feeling of walking on my feet. But Effie is a full-time wearer of high heels and I am determined to be able to do the same. Another problem is the dress. The dress keeps tangling around my feet so I try to hitch it up. Effie then swoops down like a hawk and smacks my hands. Smiley faces are more about smiling. Effie teaches me how to smile more. My cheek muscles twitch from too much use by lunch.
Katniss doesn’t have control over the circumstances and is forced into a relationship. Katniss doesn’t know what she feels because the love act Katniss did with Peeta was for survival and Gale is Katniss’s close friend. Katniss feels guilty that she cannot choose between the two. In fact, it almost seems like she owes them some attention. Haymitch repeatedly criticizes Katniss for failing to return Peeta’s affections and tells Katniss that she doesn’t have the right answer. Haymitch is clearly fond of Katniss when he keeps the plans from her. Katniss feels justified in her fury when Peeta reveals his love for Katniss without telling her. Haymitch says it is better for Katniss not to reveal the plans. Peeta confronts them about their plans, and Haymitch reveals his anger. Haymitch, their mentors, is presented as right.
Audre Lande, a feminist, wrote in her essay “For women need and desire nurture each other isn’t pathological but redeemed.” Katniss was first recognized by Capitol’s people when she became an empathic, sister to Rue. She forms an alliance between Rue and her during the games. This is not due to strength, but intuition and emotion. Rue reminds Prim of Rue, which she herself admitted to. She makes another decision when she volunteers to honor her sister in her place, because she wants her family to be happy.
Katniss is clearly lacking agency. Katniss is shocked to learn that her agency is lacking. People will continue to make her feel inferior and push her to conform. She transforms from being a rebellious teenager into a soldier who has a lot of respect for her and is able to command a lot of power. She is able to recognize and value her feminine strengths and she eventually starts a revolution against President Coin.
Both films emphasize the importance of feminism. Anne is given her agency from the beginning, but it ends up being futile because Anne still has to take care of her family and house. Katniss didn’t have her own agency at the beginning, but she soon accepted herself and took control of her agency. Anne of Green Gables was tied to her house so embracing feministism in Anne of Green Gables meant she had to embrace it. The Hunger Games is about being true to yourself and empowering oneself.
