Man and Wife · Question
How does Man and Wife develop the theme of Gender and Power?
Answer
Man and Wife by Wilkie Collins develops Gender and Power across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Women are portrayed as vulnerable to the whims and betrayals of men, with society and the law offering them little protection. Characters like Anne Silvester and Mrs. Vanborough suffer due to male duplicity and the patriarchal structures that govern their lives.
Mrs. Vanborough's powerlessness despite her marriage certificate contrasts with the men's legal and social authority.
Mrs. Vanborough is powerless against the legal system and her husband's denial, despite having a marriage certificate.
Geoffrey's control over the marriage plan and Anne's vulnerable position highlight the power imbalance between men and women in Victorian society.
Evidence in the book
- The Villa at Hampstead
Mrs. Vanborough's powerlessness despite her marriage certificate contrasts with the men's legal and social authority.
- Chapter IV
Mrs. Vanborough is powerless against the legal system and her husband's denial, despite having a marriage certificate.
- First Scene: The Summerhouse
Geoffrey's control over the marriage plan and Anne's vulnerable position highlight the power imbalance between men and women in Victorian society.
- The Guests
Lady Lundie exerts authority over Anne Silvester, forcing her to play despite her discomfort, illustrating the power imbalance between mistress and governess.
- The Two
The power imbalance between Geoffrey (a nobleman's son) and Anne (a governess) is stark; Anne's desperation and Geoffrey's casual cruelty illustrate gendered dynamics of control and vulnerability.
- The Plan
Anne takes the lead in persuading Geoffrey, demonstrating her agency despite societal constraints, while Geoffrey's reluctance shows his discomfort with her assertiveness.
- The Suitor
Lady Lundie exercises domestic authority over Anne, while Sir Patrick wields patriarchal power by granting or withholding consent to Arnold's marriage.
- VIII: The Scandal
Lady Lundie wields domestic authority over servants and Anne, while Sir Patrick's male authority ultimately controls the household's response to the scandal.
