Object of the Study

23

CHAPTER IV ANALYSIS

In this chapter, the problems formulated in the earlier chapter are answered . Based on the problems formulated, this chapter is divided into two parts . The first part describes how the character Eva undergoes related to her roles as a housewife and a mother in the story “Tell Me a Riddle”. The second part is how the character Eva react to the stereotypes, set by the society, addressed towards her as a women in the story Tell Me a Riddle written by Tillie Olsen .

A. Eva and Her Roles Related to Gender

As mentioned, “Tell Me a Riddle” was published as a part of a four story collection in 1961. Tell Me a Riddle served as the main title of that collection. Out of the four stories, “Tell Me a Riddle” is placed the last and the story tells about the marriage of an aging Russian immigrant couple named Eva and David. In spite of the fact that the collection consists of four different short stories, the first three stories are related to Eva’s family. The previous three separated stories tell each of Eva’s child and their struggles with their own family and the society in relation to racism. The three stories then lead the readers to Eva as the heroine. With that said, researcher discusses about the characteristics of Eva as she is the protagonist of the short story “Tell Me a Riddle”. The researcher chooses Eva as she fits the idea of feminism best in the story. This subchapter shows two of Eva’s different sides as a figure in the society. Even though it is divided into two small parts accordingly to Eva’s role in the society , Eva’s roles are interrelated. As a person, the society stereotyped her as a woman with the duty as a housewife and a mother. So, Eva here is presented as David’s wife and a mother of her seven kids.

1. Eva as a Housewife

Eva has been married to David and she has been a victim of gender inequality in the process as she is treated unfairly and is at lost compared to David. She has limited access in the society and she has no room to express her opinion. As a housewife, she is expected to be in the house and run the errands. This part explains how Eva’s relationship with David is portrayed related to the gender stereotyping which exist in the society. As a woman, Eva is expected to be a housewife by the society . As the story is written in the nineteenth century, the standard of a “good” woman is affected by the devotion of Queen Victoria . The Queen’s domestic life sets the ideal life for the women of this age . It includes women to take care of her husband and her children above all else as a sole purpose of living . The poem “The Angel in the House” by Coventry Patmore shares the similar view and gives contribution on how to treat women in this era . As a woman, Eva is given limited access in the society and limited chance to voice her opinion . She also bears the responsibility to take care of her husband and her children while David gets to go out and socialize . There are some parts which show how Eva has no rights to say her own opinion.