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.
“I will sell the house anyway,” he flung at her one night. “I’m putting it up for sale. There will be a way to make you sign.”
Olsen, 1976: 78 David tells Eva that he is going to sell the house
. Rather than telling Eva in advance and discussing it together, he just tells Eva that the house is up for sale
. From here
, it can be seen that David does not consider Eva’s opinion and feeling. This act also shows that David sees Eva, who is a woman, as a second-class
citizen . He does not appreciate Eva or sees her as a person. It shares the similar
thought that men are considered superior compared to women . Such
understanding is very common at that time . When Eva tries to voice her
disagreement, David’s reaction is no different. “You cannot sell the house”
“I will. We are going to the Haven. Then you would not hear the television when you don’t want to. I could sit in the social room and watch. You
could lock yourself up and smell your unpleasantness in a room by yourself
– for who would want to come near you?” “No, no selling.” A whisper now.
Olsen, 1976: 78
This is the occasion where Eva’s opinions are being ignored by David. From this part, it is indicated that he does not give Eva any room to voice her
opinion and she is left without any other choice .
David’s reaction with harsh words also does not show any respect to Eva as his wife
. There is a hint of gender inequality addressed towards Eva as a woman. She is oppressed and she has no
choice but to listen to her husband. More than that, she is not even allowed to go out of the house ever since they are married in the first place
.
