Machismo as seen through Maria Irene Fornes` the conduct of life.
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MACHISMO AS SEEN THROUGH MARIA IRENE FORNES’
THE CONDUCT OF LIFE
AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra
in English Letters
By
DIAMANTINO JOSIMAR NETO DE HANJAN SOARES
Student Number: 084214068
ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAMME
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LESTTERS
FACULTY OF LETTERS
SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSTY
YOGYAKARTA
2015
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~1ACHISMO
AS SEEN THROUGH MARIA IRENE FORNES'
THE CONDUCT OF LIFE
AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
for the Degree of S([J]"ana Sastrct
in English Letters
By
DIAMANTINO JOSIMAR NETO DE HANJAN SOARES
Student Number: 084214068
ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAMME
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS
FACULTY OF LETTERS
SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSTY
YOGYAKARTA
2015
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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background of the Study
Literature is a written work that contains imaginative, creative and
inventive values and it may come in a form of poem, novel, and short story. This
written works mainly reflect on things that human being have such as emotions,
conflicts, and other regular things people have to go through in their daily lives.
This is why literature is very interesting because it replicates people’s daily lives
into a piece of art.
A play or drama is a form of literary worksin which author uses to
transmit their messages to the audiences or the readers. A drama in its own way is
different from other forms of literary work because it represents reality by
bringing life to its “fictional universe” with real human beings as actors or actress
that represent the characters in the story (Barranger, 1994:339). In Merriam
Webster’s Encyclopedia of Literature drama is defined as:
A composition in verse or prose intended to portray life or character or to
tell story usually involving conflicts and emotions through action and
diologue and typically designed for theatrical performance (1995:345).
From the quotations above it can be said that a conflict in a drama can be
easily related to what we have in the real world, not only that both worlds may
have the same issues but because of the emotions that actors and actresses show
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when they perform their part of the story. These two points are some of the basis
that strengthen the messages in a play and separate a play from any other work of
literature.
The goal of this study is to further explore and to have better
understanding on the concept of machismo by looking through Maria Irene
Fornes’ The Conduct of Life. Machismo is a gender issue that people have in
Latin America, as it is also part of their patriarchal culture where man are
expected to be oppressive, violent and superior in many aspects compare to
female.
Machismo can be seen as an ordinary or common state of mind in Latin
America’s culture. Latinos are always expected to display their“conventional
masculine traits such as physically strong, brave, competitive, dominant and
aggressive”and also lack of emotional response towards anything that will show
their sensitive side (Macionis, 2002:292). These states of mind are very
significant to some Latinos in order to show themselves as a man in their family
and society, and because they will not risk to be seen as a weakling but to be
recognize as a true man and also because a man will not gain anything in his life
by being weak and sensitive. Earl Shorris in his book Latinos said that “machismo
is a channel for men to gain their place in the higher status of the society” (1992:
431).
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However, from the previous justification about sexism in Latin America’s
culture it can also be said that the privileges which Latinos gained from sexism
come with high price. Machismo will encourage men to “engage in high risk
behaviors such as smoking, consuming alcohol or getting into fight” (Arciniega,
2008:1). In other words, sometimes masculinity can cloud people’s judgment in
making decision about things in their lives. With those aggressive behaviors and
tendency to have control over other people, one may lose the opportunities to
build intimacy and trust with other people, and may damage bond that they
already have in their lives.
In this study, the writer attempts to see how the concept of machismo
affects man who usually thrives on the idea of being macho. People usually look
at the issue of machismo from the point of view of women as the victim but in
this study it is going to be from the point of view of men. This is one of the
reasons why the writer chooses to explore the concept of machismo in Maria
Irene Fornes’ The Conduct of Life. The Conduct of Life is a feminist play set in
Latin America country in 1985. The play tells the story about thirty three years
old man named Orlando, who is an ambitious and proud lieutenant commander
who lives with his wife, a house keeper and young girl who he kept as his sexual
object. Each one of these three female characters have different issues and roles
with Orlando namely Leticia as the wife whom he does love anymore, the maid
Olimpia who hates Orlando and Nena a girl he uses for his sexual needs. There is
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also another male character in this play called Alejo. Alejo is a friend and a
colleague of Orlando from the military but he is the opposite of Orlando in term
of personalities (Barranger, 1994: 648-649).
This play shows not only women who are affected by machismo but man
as the penetrator as well. Orlando, as the man of his household, is entrapped in the
concept of ideal man where he cannot afford to not succeed. As a man, Orlando
needs to meet these requirements of machismo. In this thesis the writer wants to
explore the characteristics of each male character and how machismo is portrayed
through each character in this play.
B. Problem Formulation
Considering the background of this study, the problems are formulated
into the following questions:
1. How are Orlando and Alejo described?
2. How do the characters perceive the concept of machismo?
C. Objectives of the Study
Based on the problem formulation above there are two objectives in this
study. The first objective is to find out the characteristics of Orlando and Alejo in
this play. The second objective is to use these characteristics and explore how
both characters perceive the concept of machismo throughout the play.
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D. Definition of Term
The word machismo comes from a Spanish word “macho” is translated by
Arturo Cuyas as “vigorous, robust; male,” this term is used to describe a male
who displays standard masculine characteristics (1940: 315). Alan Bullock
defines machismo as “the cult of virility in Latin America” (1977: 362), which
means a system masculinity Latin America. The first definition is used to define
the meaning of the term machismo and the second definition is used to describe
the impression of the people in Latin America about machismo.
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CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
A. Review of Related Studies
The Conduct of Life is a feminist play by Maria Irene Fornes’ that portray
how gender roles can affect both female and male. This play also attracts many
people to study, criticize and perform it. In this part of the study, the writer
reviews a number of studies which related to this play and machismo.
The Conduct of Life is also discussed by Richard Christiansen in his article
entitled “Conduct of Life’ Peels Layers of Pain.” In his article Richard
Christiansen compared The Conduct of Life to another play entitled The Danube
and stated that The Conduct of Life is “more melodramatic” than The Danube.
One of his reasons for saying that is he thinks Fornes give Orlando too many
negative characteristics in order to bring out his darker personality that will
oppress and dominates other characters in this play. (articles.chicagotribune.com,
5th August 2012)
In Lusiana Widjaya’s thesis “Endless Chain of Tyranny by Victimization
as Seen in Maria Irene Fornes’ The Conduct of Life”point out that women will
always be the victim of the patriarchal system in which dominated by men and as
she clearly stated that “the patriarchy system gives bad impact and causes a
victimization toward woman characters” (2003: 3). Lusiana might be right on her
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statement about woman as the victims of this system but in this study the writer
argue that men can also be the victim of the patriarchy system which is dominated
by men themselves.
However, this thesis is different from the thesis done by Lusiana. The
differences can be found in the topic of the analysis and the perspective or point
of view in exploring this gender issue. In her thesis, Lusiana mentioned a number
of points concerning machismo but she has done it through woman’s perspective
and the impacts it had on them. In this thesis the writer tries to explore the
concept of machismo by looking through the eyes of men and their struggle to
cope with machismo as a Latino. Unlike Christiansen’s article that only discussed
the negative characteristics of machismo. In this thesis, the writer also talks about
the positive side of machismo.
B. Review of Related Theories
In order to do this study, the writer needs some theories which are related
to the problem formulation. In this section, the writer explains theories which are
relevant to this study. The writer describes theories of character, gender role and
machismo. These theories are very significant to complete the analysis of this
study.
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1. Theory on Character
This thesis explore the characteristics of male characters in this play and
for that reason the writer needs theories of character and characterization.
According to Thomas R. Arp character is an element that makes a drama
different to other kind of literature because a play delivers “its action through the
actors and its effect is direct, immediate and heightened by the actor’s skills”
(2009: 1023).
Hans P. Guth stated that there are nine ways to evaluate a key character in
a play. First of all is to look for quotes from the dialogue that may reveal things
about the character. The second way is to take into account things that other
character says about each other. The third way is to concentrate on situations
where a character is forced to make a stand or decisions. The fourth way is to pay
attention at “the character’s behavior in revealing situations.” The fifth is the
gesture of the character. The sixth is to be objective or put away your own
emotion in evaluating a character. The seventh is to pay attention at the initial
descriptions about a character. The eighth way is to listen carefully to selfrevelations of the character in the “soliloquies” or monologue. The last way is
listening to the climatic confrontations that may reveal things that are hidden
under certain behaviors (1997: 1203-1204).
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Milly S. Barranger points out that analyzing a character in drama are
always based on a character’s physical appearance, behavior, speech. Barranger
formulated four approaches that can be used in analyzing a character. First,
observe what the author say about a character in stage directions. Second, observe
what the characters say about each other. Third, note the character’s physical and
psychological characteristics. Fourth, interpret the character’s moral or ethical
choices that determine a character’s destine in the play (1994:339).
2. Theory of Gender Roles
According to Macionis the term gender refers to “the social aspects of
differences and hierarchies between male and female” and gender role indicates
“learning and performing the socially accepted characteristics for a given gender”
(2002:289-290). Kimmel stated “gender is not simply a system of classification
by which biological males and females are sorted, separated, and socialized into
equivalent sex roles” (2000:1).
The socialization of gender roles in every culture usually begin when
someone still in their childhood. Parents are not the only one who is responsible
of introducing these roles to children but also the teachers at school or perhaps the
priest. The children are guided and push throughout their childhood so that when
they grow up they can behave and live their lives accordingly to these roles.
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Oakley outlines four ways in the socialization of gender roles such as
manipulation, canalization, verbal appellations and activities. Children are
manipulated by their parents to be aware of themselves, like how girls supposed
to dress. Canalization in this case means that parents can direct the children about
their roles through objects such as toys. Verbal appellation such as “you’re a
naughty boy” or “that’s a good girl” are expressions which parent can use to
address their children in attempt to socializing gender roles to the children
because these words can “lead young children to identify with their gender and to
imitate adults of the same gender.” Children can also learn to imitate their roles as
a boy or a girl through the activities they are exposed to, as example boys are
usually encouraged to fix their bicycle then to learn cooking. (1972: 531-532)
Simple things such colors can be used to socialize gender to children.
When painting and decorating the children’s bedroom parents already give the
children a perspective about gender. Like boys room can be painted in any colors
other than pink because it is more suited to girls. As Ferrante stated that the
socialization proses may occur in two different ways such as direct and indirect. It
is direct when the messages are deliberately aim at a specific child. On the other
hand, it is indirect when the children receive the information from books, TV,
magazine or in a conversation between adults (2003: 274).
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3. Theory on Machismo
Alison M. Scott defines machismo as “an ideology of masculinity which
emphasizes male dominance and virility. It defines relations between men
(aggression, honour, pride) as well as men’s behavior towards women (sexual
conquest, jealousy, possessiveness).” Scott also added that machismo is supported
by “patrilineal kinship system” which is like a “legal system” that gives Latinos
the liberty to do whatever they desire (1997: 74-75). From Scott’s theories it can
be said that machismo is like a doctrine that gives every Latinos the upper hand in
their society.
Julio Angulo’s master thesis sees machismo as a “psychological defense
mechanism.” In other words, the aggressiveness that Latinos display may be just
an act which triggered by their own vulnerability. A proud Latino will not easily
accept himself as a “pelado” or a chicken even if the situations say otherwise
(1980:7). Being macho is a choice; either a Latino can choose to live on or denies
its existence.
Socio-historically, the sense of inferiority originates in the Spanish
Conquest, where the Spaniards persistently dominated first the Indians and
later the Mexicans. In this context, machismo, the boastful exaggerations
of virility, is interpreted as an attempt to conceal the feeling of inferiority.
(Angulo 1980:7)
Angulo also added that machismo is not just an act to conceal inferiority
and vulnerability but also as requirement to protect oneself. Living in Latin
America country is no playground so one always has to be on alert of his
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surroundings and being macho is one of the ways to do so. Consequently, when
being provoked or threaten in some ways the macho man will certainly respond in
a more aggressive and protective manner (1980:7).
In addition, G. Miguel Arciniega and Thomas Anderson’s journal points
out that the concept of machismo consists of two parts. The first part is the
traditional machismo which “focuses on individual power and
hyper-
masculinity,” which means that machismo have to do with the aggressive
behaviors of Latinos whom prefers to be oppressive, violent, self-centered,
abusive to drug and alcohol and their punitive attitudes towards women.
The second part is “Caballerismo”. Caballerismo portray the positive
characteristics of machismo as a man who have dignity, braver, respects towards
either men or women, compassionate and protective towards his family.
Caballerismo itself come from a Spanish word “caballero” which mean cavalier
in English or a warrior. Over period of time in Spain caballero than evolve and
become a word that define a proper gentlemen with manners and ethics (2008: 1920).
Before Arciniega and Anderson come up with their conception of
machismo, it was Alfredo Mirandé who comes up with it first. Mirande in his
book Hombres y Machos Masculinity and Latino Culture gives two conceptions
of machismo which are the negative conception of machismo and the positive
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negative conception of machismo. Mirande’s conceptions are based from his
interviews with his Mexicans and Latinos respondents.
a. Negative conceptions
Mirande presented his negative conceptions of machismo in four different
themes such as synthetic or exaggerated masculinity, male dominance or
authoritarianism, violence and aggressiveness, and self-centeredness or egoism.
The first negative theme is synthetic or exaggerated masculinity and
according to Mirande “machos are men who are insecure in themselves and need
to prove manhood.” This theme relates with Latinos who prefer to act tough
rather than to accept their weaknesses or situations. These men will do anything
in order to preserve their self-image (1997: 69).
Male dominance and authoritarianism relates greatly to the relationship
between Latinos and their wives, as Mirande pointed out “within the family, the
macho figure is viewed as authoritarian, especially relative to the wife.” These
men will demand domination his household and the wives should follow
whatever they say (1997: 68-69).
Violence and aggressiveness is the third theme of Mirande’s negative
conception of machismo. This theme outlines “the expressions of violence,
aggressiveness, and irresponsibility, both inside and outside of the family.” These
negative behaviors may come in many forms and some of them are excessive
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drinking, eager to get into fights and beating their own families. Mirande also
stated that being macho is about “willingness to themselves and other at risk,
particularly physically” (1997:69-70).
The last of the negative theme is self-centered and egoism. This theme
views “macho as being self-centered, selfish and stubborn.” It is about Latinos
who is not a good listener to and self-righteous. These men will not admit if they
are wrong and will makes everything centered on their own personal welfare for
whatever the consequences. As Mirande stated “it is someone who wants to
impose his will on others or wants to be right, whether he is right or not.”
(1997:71)
b. Positive Conception
Mirande also give four themes to emphasize the positive conception of
machismo and those themes are assertiveness or standing up for rights,
responsibility and selflessness, general code ethics and sincerity and respect.
Assertiveness or standing up for what is rights is about the confidence of
man in living his life. Confident in this theme is more about how a Latino accepts
himself for the way it is without making any synthetic gesture to cover it. Being
macho in this theme is also about standing up for what is right, not afraid to tell
the truth and confident in facing any problems (1997:72-73).
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Responsibility and selflessness are two qualities that give machismo a
good impression. Macho in this theme is about a man who is willing to shoulder
any responsibility and think of other people’s welfare before his own (1997:73).
General code of ethics is about the ethical standard and principles of a
man. As Mirande quoted one of his respondents “I think macho does not have to
be a statesman, just a man that’s known to stand by his friends and follow
through.” It is about the way a man chooses to live his life and how he never back
out of his own words. This theme also shared the traits of first two themes
possesses (1997: 73-74).
The last theme of positive conception is sincerity and respect. It is about
honesty, genuineness and respect a man possesses for himself and to others
around him (1997:74).
C. Theoretical Framework
This section of the thesis reveals theories in analyzing the problem
formulation in this research. They are the theory of character and theory of
machismo. Both theories have their own function in answering the problems
formulated.
The theories on character and characterization are aimed to answer the
first problem formulation by describing the male characters in this play. As this
thesis is closely relates to analyzing human behavior, an understanding on
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character and characterization theories is very crucial to analyze these characters.
The writer is confident with the character and characterization theories from Hans
P. Guth in his book Discover Literature Studies, Poems and Plays and Milly S.
Barranger’s in Understanding Plays, as their theories give a clear picture in
describing a character.
After displaying the characteristics of both characters, the writer then
moves to the second problem formulation which is to see how the male characters
perceived the concept of machismo. In this stage the writer tries to fit the profiles
of Orlando and Alejo with the theories on gender roles and machismo.
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CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
A. Object of the Study
The Conduct of Life is one of Maria Irene Fornes’s important works in her
years as feminist drama writer. The theme and main characters of this play situate
the effect of male domination over women.
On 15th of February 1988 The Conduct of Life was performed in Chicago
at the Organic Theater. Directed by Thomas Riccio the play receives a great deal
of positive responses. As Richard Christiansen an entertainment editor from
Chicago Tribune put itin his article entitled “Conduct of Life’ Peels Layers of
Pain “The Conduct of Life”nevertheless is galvanized by the same sense of
palpable mystery in Fornes` theatricality.” There are two things that can be taken
from Christiansen’s words such as Fornes was always consistence with her work
and The Conduct of Lifeis as good as expected (articles.chicagotribune.com, 5th
August 2012).
The Conduct of Life is taken from the book Understanding Plays, on
chapter 15 from page 652 to 666, published in 1994 and printed in Massachusetts
by a Division of Simon and Schuster. The Conduct of Life was written 1985 and it
consists of nineteen scene fragments. The setting of this play sets in a house in
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Latin American country, the house are intodivided into four sets such as the living
room, warehouse, dining room and hallway. There are two male characters and
three female characters. These characters are divided into three major characters
and two minor characters in this play.
The Conduct of Life portrays the daily life of a Hispanic military family.
This family consists of a military man that dominates his wife and two other
women whom also lives in the house. Living in the same house with his wife does
not stop him of bullying and harassing the two other women. Throughout the play
there is alsoone minor male character that appears mostly at beginning. Unlike the
other male character this man possesses softer and weaker personalities.
B. Approach of the Study
It is important to apply a critical approach to literature in this study
because it helps the writer to do this study and prevent the discussion to going out
of context. Therefore the writer applies the gender study as the approach of this
study.
The writer considers gender study as the appropriate approach to this
study. This is because gender study not only talks about women but also about
men and issues they encounter in responding to patriarchal society. Kennedy
states “gender criticism examines how sexual identity influences the creation and
reception of literary work” (1999:1959).
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Kimmel in proclaims that “sex is male and female; gender is masculinity
and femininity: what it means to be man or a woman.” Kimmel also require his
readers to look beyond just “biological differences” and focus on things such as
“hierarchy, power and inequality” and how they influence both male and female.
This definition of gender study by Kimmel can be used to explore how the male
characters in this play respond to masculinity (2000:1).
C. Method of the Study
In assembling this research, the writer carried out the library research
method. The writer divides the sources into two parts which are the primary
source and the secondary source. The primary source is the play itself, Maria
Irene Fornes’sThe Conduct of Life, which was taken from the book of
Understanding Plays. Meanwhile, the secondary sources consist of references to
support this research such as Literature: an Introduction to Fiction, Poetry and
Drama 7th edition by X.J Kennedy and Dana Gioid, The Gendered Society by
Michael Kimmel, The Fontana Dictionary of Modern Thought by Alan Bullock,
Understanding Plays by Milly S. Barranger’s, of Discover Literature Studies,
Poems and Plays by Hans P. Guth and a journal by G. Miguel Arciniega and T
homas Anderson entitled Toward a Fuller Conception of Machismo:
Development of a Traditional Machismo and Caballerismo Scale.
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After collecting all the references and data, the writer tries to answer the
problem formulations by applying and elaborating the approach and theories
concerning to this research. Theories on characterization apply to answering the
first problem formulation. On the other hand, theories of machismo came into
picture in answering the second problem formulation. After this process, the
writer came to the last section which is to conclude this research by reviewing all
the answer and come up with a conclusion about this study.
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CHAPTER IV
ANALYSIS
The aim of this chapter is to answer problem formulations which are
presented in the previous chapter. This chapter is divided into two sections.
Firstly, the writer analyses the characteristics of the male characters in this play.
The characters are analyzed from their thought, interaction with other characters,
behavior, action and narration. Secondly, using the data from the analysis of
characters and combining with the theories of gender and machismo, the writer
tries to work out how each male character responds to the concept of machismo.
A. Characteristics of Orlando and Alejo
The discussion of character and characterization in this section of the
analysis is divided into two parts. The first part discusses the characteristics of
Orlando, one of the main characters of this play and the second part of this section
talks about Alejo’s character.
1. Orlando
a. Pretentious
As explained in chapter two that “synthetic or exaggerated masculinity” is
behavior or an act that a Latino puts up in order to cover his weaknesses and
limitations. Orlando shows this sort of behavior a number of times throughout the
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play. The first example can be seen at the very beginning of the play where
Orlando displays his physical attributes.
Orlando is doing jumping jacks in the upper left corner of the dining room
in the dark. A light slowly, comes up on him. He wears military breeches
held by suspenders, and a riding boots. He does jumping-jack as long as it
can be endured. (p.652)
The way Fornes presents Orlando in this act gives the readers or audience
an idea about this character. The military breeches and riding boots symbolizes
machismo that this man really concern with psychical image. Orlando exercising
is not just a matter of being healthy but an attempt to fulfill his needs which to get
physically stronger and more muscular.
Orlando may put up an act to show that he is not weak and he has no
remorse and emotional response towards anything but the truth is that he was
actually hurting when no one is looking. As stated by Mirande “machos are men
who are insecure in themselves and need to prove their manhood” (1997:68).
Orlando tries to conceal his insecurity by pushing and dominating others however
it did not bring him anything good but only pain. However, Nena the girl Orlando
uses as a sexual object saw through Orlando’s theatrical masculinity.
NENA: … And if someone should treat me unkindly, I should not blind
myself with rage, but I should see them and receive them, since
maybe they are in worse pain than me. (P.663-664)
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The reason Nena knew about Orlando’s condition is because he revealed it
to her. On scene thirteen Orlando reveals himself that he is in pain and insecure,
and where he is actually looking for some comfort.
ORLANDO: what I do to you is out of love. Out of want. It’s not what
you think. I wish you didn’t have to be hurt I don’t do it out
of hatred. It is not out of rage. It is love. It is a quiet feeling.
It is quiet and it pierces my insides in the most internal way.
It is most private self. And this I give to you. Don’t be afraid.
It is a desire to destroy and to see things destroyed and to see
the inside of them. It’s my nature. I must hide it from others.
But I don’t feel remorse. I was born this way and I must have
this. I need love. I wish you did not hurt and recoil from me.
(p.661-662)
Two things can be concluded from Orlando’s soliloquy. First, Orlando
does enjoy violent. Second, his macho sneers are also aim to cover his insecurity
and his need for love.
b. Oppressive
One thing for sure about Orlando is that he dominated all the other
characters in this play especially in his household. Orlando is a suitable sample to
represent the saying “whatever I say goes.”
In order for a relationship to work there must be a balanced between both
parties. However it does not work for Orlando because he prefers to make a
decision that only suits him. As seen on the despite between Orlando and Leticia
on scene fourteen of the play. When Leticia found out that her husband secretly
had been keeping another girl in their home whom he uses to satisfy his sexual
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needs, Leticia tries to come up with some sort of resolution which is to bring her
friend Mona to stay with her for a while so she can process this situation. Orlando
as usual rejects this request of his wife and makes another decision of his own
that will only hurt his wife even more which is to make Nena their servant.
(Barranger, 1994: 662).
Another example of Orlando’s domination throughout of the play is that
neither Alejo nor Olimpia dares to talk and expose the truth about Nena to Leticia
not until she discovers it for herself as seen on scene twelve.
OLIMPIA : here kitty, kitty. (Leticia walks to Olimpia, look closely at the
plate then up at Olimpia.)
LETICIA : What is it?
OLIMPIA : Food.
LETICIA : Who is it for? (Olimpia turns her eyes away and doesn’t
answer. Leticia decides to go to the cellar. She stops half way
there.) Who is it?
OLIMPIA : A cat. (Leticia opens the cellar.)
LETICIA : It’s not a cat. I’m going down. (She opens the door to the
cellar and starts to go down.) I want to see who is there.
(p.661)
Olimpia, as seen on scene eleven, is the one character that seems to have
the courage to confront Orlando but in this case, she also does not have enough
strength to tell the truth and to expose Orlando. Some may argue that the reason
Olimpia lied about Nena is because she was protecting both Leticia and Nena but
still Orlando’s affection is hard to deny.
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In addition, Orlando does not only dominate the female characters but also
Alejo as well. Even though Alejo and Orlando hold the same ranks in the military
but whenever Alejo is also afraid to confront Orlando whenever he does
something reckless and violent.
ORLANDO: He was repulsive to us.
ALEJO
: I never hurt him.
ORLANDO: well, you never stopped me.
ALEJO
: I didn’t know how to stop you. I didn’t know anyone could
behave the way you did. It frightened me. It changed me. I
become hopeless.
ORLANDO: You were always hopeless. (p.657)
From their dialogue above it can be said that Alejo is afraid of Orlando.
Because of his fear towards Orlando, Alejo is somehow defenseless and easier to
be dominated by Orlando.
c. Violent
Violent and aggressive are behaviors that machos like Orlando will
certainly possess. These behaviors can also be connected to the previous points
such as fake and oppressive behaviors. In order to show his domination over other
characters Orlando usually confronted these people in an aggressive manner.
Orlando’s explosive temper and violent behavior are displayed a number
of times throughout the whole play. His temper is like a super active volcano that
can erupt anytime, he is easily provoke even with a slightest thing such an
opinions that opposite to his or an opinion aim to criticize his action. He does not
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fancy people telling him what to do and questioning him but he prefers to do
things on his own terms and expect everyone else to just agree with him.
LETICIA: What! Me go hunting do you think I’m going to shoot a dear,
the most beautiful animal in the world? Do you think I’m going
to destroy a deer? On the contrary, I would run on the field and
scream and wave my arms like a mad woman and try to scare
them away so the hunters could not reach them.
ORLANDO: Hunting is a sport! A skill! Don’t talk about anything you
know nothing about. Must you have an opinion about every
damn thing! Can’t you keep your mouth shut when you don’t
know what you’re talking about? (p.653)
Orlando’s bad temper usually leads to violence. For someone like Orlando
who is thirst for promotion in the military will certainly take every assignment
given to him seriously. It can be seen from the case of Felo, a man who were
tortured during an interrogation with Orlando. Alejo who witness Orlando’s
action was terrified because he could not believe that Orlando is capable of such
violence. Violence is something Orlando enjoys because it will showcase his
superiority towards other people.
ORLANDO: what is viciousness?
ALEJO: You.
ORLANDO: Me?
ALEJO:The way your tortured Felo?
ORLANDO: I never tortured Felo
ALEJO: You did
ORLANDO: Boys play that way. You did too (p.657).
From the way Alejo confronted him and how this conversation shaped it
can be said that Orlando’s conscious will not feel any remorse for Felo because it
seem like violence is just a necessary thing to do during an interrogation. His
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violent behavior does not end at his headquarters but he also brings it along to his
home. Nena, a young girl who he kept to fulfill his sexual desire is the one that
always suffer sexual and physical abuse from this sadistic tyrant.
NENA: ... and he took to a place. And he hurt me. I fought with him but I
stopped fighting because I couldn’t fight anymore and he did
things to me… and he beat me. And he hung me on the wall.
(p.663)
Not only Orlando uses Nena as a punching bag but also to satisfy his
sexual needs. Viewing from his relationship with both Leticia and Nena, Orlando
fits the profile of a pedophile. As someone who is more sexually attracted a
young girl than to much older women. Orlando feeling towards Leticia is already
shown at the first scene where he acknowledged that he does not love her. Leticia
is also aware of the situation where her husband is not attracted to her anymore.
LETICIA: He told me he didn’t love me, and that his sole relationship to
me was simply a marital one. What he means is that I am to
keep this house, and he is to provide for it. (p.653)
NENA: ... He touches himself and he touches his breasts and he touches
his stomach and his behind. He puts his fingers in my parts and
he keeps reciting. Then he turns me on my stomach and puts
himself inside me. He says I belong to him. (p.663)
Orlando’s attraction to Nena can be seen through a number of occasions in
this play which strengthen Orlando position as a pedophile. Firstly, as previously
mentioned Orlando is not sexually attracted to Leticia. Second, Nena is a twelve
years girl who is the victim of Orlando’s sexual disorder. The relationship
between Orlando and Nena is forged by Orlando’s lies and force. One scene
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twelve Orlando may proclaim that what happened between him and Nena is a
product of their love but in this modern era having sexual relationship with a
twelve years old is just wrong and it is against the law.
d. Egoistic
Orlando is an ambitious and self-centered sort of person, as seen from his
first monologue at the first scene. While displaying his physical traits, Orlando
sets his goal for the future. He knows exactly where his current position is
whether in his own marriage or his career at the military. Orlando convinces
himself that he does have a plan to prosper and improve and he will not stop until
he reaches it.
ORLANDO: Thirty three and I’m still a lieutenant. In two years I’ll
receive a promotion. I promise myself I will not spend time
feeling sorry for myself. Instead I will study the situation and
draw an effective plan of action. I must eliminate all obstacles.
I will make acquaintance of people in high power. If I cannot
achieve this on my own merit, I will marry woman in high
circles. Leticia must not be an obstacle. Man must have an
ideal, mine is to achieve maximum power. That is my destinyno other interest will deter me from this. (p.652-653).
Orlando is very determined to reach his goal which is “to achieve
maximum power” and he is willing to go the distance. There is nothing wrong of
being ambitious but the issue is with the process of how we get to a place where
we desire. Orlando in this case is prepared to make all the sacrifices that he needs
including his own marriage. He even planned to leave his wife Leticia and marry
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any women who will provide him with paths to the top. He wants nothing other
than to be on the top of the food chain.
Orlando does not only have trouble with his temper but also his
incapability of caring and responding to other people’s feeling. Given in any
circumstances Orlando will say anything to defend himself without considering
the situation and who he was talking to. He cheated on his wife right under her
nose and when she confronted him about sexual affairs he still have the gut to
stay calm and responded as if he has done nothing wrong. All this man ever cares
about is his well-being and nothing else.
LETICIA: Don’t make her scream?
ORLANDO: You’re crazy.
LETICIA: Don’t I give you enough?
ORLANDO: (he’s calm) don’t start.
LETICIA: How long is she going to stay here?
ORLANDO: Not long.
LETICIA: Don’t make her cry. I can’t stand it. Why do you make her
scream?
ORLANDO: I don’t make her scream.
LETICIA: She screams.
ORLANDO: I can’t help it. (p.662)
For a Latina marriage is something sacred and when they agree to marry
someone it is because of love and the promise to take good of each other. From
the quotations above we can see two things for certain that Leticia as the wife is
devastated and Orlando does not really seem to care and respect her feeling. In
scene two, Orlando makes sure Leticia know that she is a humiliation to him and
their relationship is just a marital one.
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2. Alejo
a. Weak
Alejo as the other male characters in this play is described as one of the
weakest character even among the female characters. As a minor character Alejo
only appears a few times in the whole play, his qualities that can be explore are
also limited and the ones that are presented only shows his weak sides. The
weaknesses that he shows involve how he fears Orlando and lets Orlando push
him around.
ORLANDO: Well, you never stopped me.
ALEJO:
I didn’t know how to stop you. I didn’t know anyone could
behave the way you did. It frightened me. It changed me. I
became hopeless.
ORLANDO: You were always hopeless. (p.657)
The quotations above are taken from scene six and dialogue is about how
Alejo reacted to Orlando’s behavior during an interrogation with a prisoner. It
took Alejo a while before he could bring up the issue of Orlando’s violent
behavior as he did not have the courage to say anything during the interrogation.
Alejo is horrified of what he witnessed but as a lieutenant commander in the army
he must have the stomach to deal with such situation because it will not do him
any good in war. Orlando might be wrong in his behaviors but in some ways he is
also right. Alejo should toughen himself up or he can quit the military and get
another job.
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b. Pessimistic
Alejo also described as a man who lacks of enthusiasm of his the future.
Unlike Orlando who is very ambitious on improving his life, Alejo on the other
hand seems to lost interest and passion on everything he does.
ALEJO:
Look at me. I used to be an idealist. Now I don’t have any
feeling for anything. I used to be strong, healthy, I looked at
the future with hope. (p.657)
Another reason that caused Alejo to lose interest of the future is because
he became sexually impotent. His inability to feel passionate human feeling
symbolizes the hopelessness of Alejo’s life. One of the reason is that Every
Latinos are obliged to be able to impregnate a woman, so if one to lose that ability
then it can be said that his life is as good as over because not every woman are
willing to take an interest in a man who cannot give them children.
Alejo is also exhausted with a world which is full of ups and downs, rights
and wrongs, good and evil. He has giving up and he questions anyone who still
has the courage to push on in this world especially someone like Leticia whom
out of all people is still eager to improve and change her life even with a husband
such as Orlando and her academic background. He feels there is nothing left for
him to fight for because of the cruelty he sees.
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c. Compassionate
Even if already lost hope for himself but Alejo in this play is also
described as a humane, a quality that Orlando lacks. Alejo may be weak on some
points and lost his interest on the future but he never loses his compassion for
others. As he shown at least two times throughout the play.
ALEJO: Now I don’t. I know what viciousness is.
ORLANDO: what is viciousness?
ALEJO: You.
ORLANDO: Me?
ALEJO:The way your tortured Felo.
ORLANDO: I never tortured Felo.
ALEJO: You did.
ORLANDO: Boys play that way. You did too.
ALEJO: I didn’t.
ORLANDO: He was repulsive to us.
ALEJO: I never hurt him.
ORLANDO: Well, you never stopped me.
ALEJO: I didn’t know how to stop you. I didn’t know anyone could
behave the way you did. It frightened me. It changed me. I
become hopeless. (p.657)
From these quotations Alejo shows clearly that he despised excessive
violence in any kind of form. It affected him so much to cause him to lose hope.
This quality also sets him apart from Orlando because he shows sympathy to the
violence which Felo suffers even if he is unable to stop it.
Another humane gesture which Alejo carry out can be seen on scene
eleven. This scene takes place in the basement where Alejo actually spend his
time to sit alone and watch Nena a homeless girl and Olympia who is Orlando’s
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maid playing pattycake. This situation shows how social status does not affect
Alejo as he treats them who are socially beneath him as his equal.
B. Concept of Machismo Seen Through the Characters
The concept machismo is seen as defense mechanism in Latin American
country and it has been part of their culture. Machismo mark out the relationship
between men will only grow around aggression, honor and pride, and the
relationship between men and women will evolve around men’s sexual conquest,
jealousy and possessiveness.
As stated in chapter two, machismo is divided into two different
conceptions. The first definition is the traditional machismo which portrays an
aggressive behavior of a Latino to show their manliness or masculinity. The
second definition is the positive side of machismo which sum up to the word
Caballero, it also shows masculinity only less aggressive.
Fornes in The Conduct of Life put a lot effort to cover every aspect of
machismo. She created two male characters with the same background such as
they are both Latino and co-worker at the military. In terms of behavior and
vision of the way they live their lives these two men are totally the opposite of
each other. In this section the writer divides the analysis into two sections
accordingly to each male character to see how they perceive the concept of
machismo.
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1. Orlando
Traditional machismo is another form of machismo that consists of
behaviors and attitudes such as abusive, narcissistic, hypersexuallity, violent and
oppressive. These behaviors are supported by their culture or in other words their
community actually allows Latinos to behave this way. (Scott, 1997: 74-75)
Latinos are exposed and introduced to the concept of machismo since the
very early age of their lives. These young Latinos are taught that being born as
male in Latin American community already gives them the right and advantages
to be superior and to dominate anyone especially over women (Scott, 1997: 7475). Similar to any other Latinos Orlando is certainly raised in an environment
where teaches him the superiority of men. As machismo is a standard that
influences many aspects of Orlando’s behavior and as a result it drives him to
behave aggressively and any ways he chooses because he believes it is his right to
do so and no one can tell him otherwise.
Orlando is also someone who recognizes his own weaknesses and one of
his weaknesses is his sexual passion. He believes that in order to fulfill his goal
which is “to achieve maximum power” he must eliminate these weaknesses or at
least tries to cover it up by embracing the standards of machismo. He also uses
machismo as “psychological defense mechanism” as Angulo views it (Angulo,
1980:7). He needs to be aggressive in order to protect himself. He is insecure
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about his domestic and love life, but he also cannot let ot
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MACHISMO AS SEEN THROUGH MARIA IRENE FORNES’
THE CONDUCT OF LIFE
AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
for the Degree of Sarjana Sastra
in English Letters
By
DIAMANTINO JOSIMAR NETO DE HANJAN SOARES
Student Number: 084214068
ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAMME
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LESTTERS
FACULTY OF LETTERS
SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSTY
YOGYAKARTA
2015
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~1ACHISMO
AS SEEN THROUGH MARIA IRENE FORNES'
THE CONDUCT OF LIFE
AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
for the Degree of S([J]"ana Sastrct
in English Letters
By
DIAMANTINO JOSIMAR NETO DE HANJAN SOARES
Student Number: 084214068
ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAMME
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS
FACULTY OF LETTERS
SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSTY
YOGYAKARTA
2015
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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background of the Study
Literature is a written work that contains imaginative, creative and
inventive values and it may come in a form of poem, novel, and short story. This
written works mainly reflect on things that human being have such as emotions,
conflicts, and other regular things people have to go through in their daily lives.
This is why literature is very interesting because it replicates people’s daily lives
into a piece of art.
A play or drama is a form of literary worksin which author uses to
transmit their messages to the audiences or the readers. A drama in its own way is
different from other forms of literary work because it represents reality by
bringing life to its “fictional universe” with real human beings as actors or actress
that represent the characters in the story (Barranger, 1994:339). In Merriam
Webster’s Encyclopedia of Literature drama is defined as:
A composition in verse or prose intended to portray life or character or to
tell story usually involving conflicts and emotions through action and
diologue and typically designed for theatrical performance (1995:345).
From the quotations above it can be said that a conflict in a drama can be
easily related to what we have in the real world, not only that both worlds may
have the same issues but because of the emotions that actors and actresses show
1
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when they perform their part of the story. These two points are some of the basis
that strengthen the messages in a play and separate a play from any other work of
literature.
The goal of this study is to further explore and to have better
understanding on the concept of machismo by looking through Maria Irene
Fornes’ The Conduct of Life. Machismo is a gender issue that people have in
Latin America, as it is also part of their patriarchal culture where man are
expected to be oppressive, violent and superior in many aspects compare to
female.
Machismo can be seen as an ordinary or common state of mind in Latin
America’s culture. Latinos are always expected to display their“conventional
masculine traits such as physically strong, brave, competitive, dominant and
aggressive”and also lack of emotional response towards anything that will show
their sensitive side (Macionis, 2002:292). These states of mind are very
significant to some Latinos in order to show themselves as a man in their family
and society, and because they will not risk to be seen as a weakling but to be
recognize as a true man and also because a man will not gain anything in his life
by being weak and sensitive. Earl Shorris in his book Latinos said that “machismo
is a channel for men to gain their place in the higher status of the society” (1992:
431).
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However, from the previous justification about sexism in Latin America’s
culture it can also be said that the privileges which Latinos gained from sexism
come with high price. Machismo will encourage men to “engage in high risk
behaviors such as smoking, consuming alcohol or getting into fight” (Arciniega,
2008:1). In other words, sometimes masculinity can cloud people’s judgment in
making decision about things in their lives. With those aggressive behaviors and
tendency to have control over other people, one may lose the opportunities to
build intimacy and trust with other people, and may damage bond that they
already have in their lives.
In this study, the writer attempts to see how the concept of machismo
affects man who usually thrives on the idea of being macho. People usually look
at the issue of machismo from the point of view of women as the victim but in
this study it is going to be from the point of view of men. This is one of the
reasons why the writer chooses to explore the concept of machismo in Maria
Irene Fornes’ The Conduct of Life. The Conduct of Life is a feminist play set in
Latin America country in 1985. The play tells the story about thirty three years
old man named Orlando, who is an ambitious and proud lieutenant commander
who lives with his wife, a house keeper and young girl who he kept as his sexual
object. Each one of these three female characters have different issues and roles
with Orlando namely Leticia as the wife whom he does love anymore, the maid
Olimpia who hates Orlando and Nena a girl he uses for his sexual needs. There is
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also another male character in this play called Alejo. Alejo is a friend and a
colleague of Orlando from the military but he is the opposite of Orlando in term
of personalities (Barranger, 1994: 648-649).
This play shows not only women who are affected by machismo but man
as the penetrator as well. Orlando, as the man of his household, is entrapped in the
concept of ideal man where he cannot afford to not succeed. As a man, Orlando
needs to meet these requirements of machismo. In this thesis the writer wants to
explore the characteristics of each male character and how machismo is portrayed
through each character in this play.
B. Problem Formulation
Considering the background of this study, the problems are formulated
into the following questions:
1. How are Orlando and Alejo described?
2. How do the characters perceive the concept of machismo?
C. Objectives of the Study
Based on the problem formulation above there are two objectives in this
study. The first objective is to find out the characteristics of Orlando and Alejo in
this play. The second objective is to use these characteristics and explore how
both characters perceive the concept of machismo throughout the play.
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D. Definition of Term
The word machismo comes from a Spanish word “macho” is translated by
Arturo Cuyas as “vigorous, robust; male,” this term is used to describe a male
who displays standard masculine characteristics (1940: 315). Alan Bullock
defines machismo as “the cult of virility in Latin America” (1977: 362), which
means a system masculinity Latin America. The first definition is used to define
the meaning of the term machismo and the second definition is used to describe
the impression of the people in Latin America about machismo.
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CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
A. Review of Related Studies
The Conduct of Life is a feminist play by Maria Irene Fornes’ that portray
how gender roles can affect both female and male. This play also attracts many
people to study, criticize and perform it. In this part of the study, the writer
reviews a number of studies which related to this play and machismo.
The Conduct of Life is also discussed by Richard Christiansen in his article
entitled “Conduct of Life’ Peels Layers of Pain.” In his article Richard
Christiansen compared The Conduct of Life to another play entitled The Danube
and stated that The Conduct of Life is “more melodramatic” than The Danube.
One of his reasons for saying that is he thinks Fornes give Orlando too many
negative characteristics in order to bring out his darker personality that will
oppress and dominates other characters in this play. (articles.chicagotribune.com,
5th August 2012)
In Lusiana Widjaya’s thesis “Endless Chain of Tyranny by Victimization
as Seen in Maria Irene Fornes’ The Conduct of Life”point out that women will
always be the victim of the patriarchal system in which dominated by men and as
she clearly stated that “the patriarchy system gives bad impact and causes a
victimization toward woman characters” (2003: 3). Lusiana might be right on her
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statement about woman as the victims of this system but in this study the writer
argue that men can also be the victim of the patriarchy system which is dominated
by men themselves.
However, this thesis is different from the thesis done by Lusiana. The
differences can be found in the topic of the analysis and the perspective or point
of view in exploring this gender issue. In her thesis, Lusiana mentioned a number
of points concerning machismo but she has done it through woman’s perspective
and the impacts it had on them. In this thesis the writer tries to explore the
concept of machismo by looking through the eyes of men and their struggle to
cope with machismo as a Latino. Unlike Christiansen’s article that only discussed
the negative characteristics of machismo. In this thesis, the writer also talks about
the positive side of machismo.
B. Review of Related Theories
In order to do this study, the writer needs some theories which are related
to the problem formulation. In this section, the writer explains theories which are
relevant to this study. The writer describes theories of character, gender role and
machismo. These theories are very significant to complete the analysis of this
study.
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1. Theory on Character
This thesis explore the characteristics of male characters in this play and
for that reason the writer needs theories of character and characterization.
According to Thomas R. Arp character is an element that makes a drama
different to other kind of literature because a play delivers “its action through the
actors and its effect is direct, immediate and heightened by the actor’s skills”
(2009: 1023).
Hans P. Guth stated that there are nine ways to evaluate a key character in
a play. First of all is to look for quotes from the dialogue that may reveal things
about the character. The second way is to take into account things that other
character says about each other. The third way is to concentrate on situations
where a character is forced to make a stand or decisions. The fourth way is to pay
attention at “the character’s behavior in revealing situations.” The fifth is the
gesture of the character. The sixth is to be objective or put away your own
emotion in evaluating a character. The seventh is to pay attention at the initial
descriptions about a character. The eighth way is to listen carefully to selfrevelations of the character in the “soliloquies” or monologue. The last way is
listening to the climatic confrontations that may reveal things that are hidden
under certain behaviors (1997: 1203-1204).
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Milly S. Barranger points out that analyzing a character in drama are
always based on a character’s physical appearance, behavior, speech. Barranger
formulated four approaches that can be used in analyzing a character. First,
observe what the author say about a character in stage directions. Second, observe
what the characters say about each other. Third, note the character’s physical and
psychological characteristics. Fourth, interpret the character’s moral or ethical
choices that determine a character’s destine in the play (1994:339).
2. Theory of Gender Roles
According to Macionis the term gender refers to “the social aspects of
differences and hierarchies between male and female” and gender role indicates
“learning and performing the socially accepted characteristics for a given gender”
(2002:289-290). Kimmel stated “gender is not simply a system of classification
by which biological males and females are sorted, separated, and socialized into
equivalent sex roles” (2000:1).
The socialization of gender roles in every culture usually begin when
someone still in their childhood. Parents are not the only one who is responsible
of introducing these roles to children but also the teachers at school or perhaps the
priest. The children are guided and push throughout their childhood so that when
they grow up they can behave and live their lives accordingly to these roles.
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Oakley outlines four ways in the socialization of gender roles such as
manipulation, canalization, verbal appellations and activities. Children are
manipulated by their parents to be aware of themselves, like how girls supposed
to dress. Canalization in this case means that parents can direct the children about
their roles through objects such as toys. Verbal appellation such as “you’re a
naughty boy” or “that’s a good girl” are expressions which parent can use to
address their children in attempt to socializing gender roles to the children
because these words can “lead young children to identify with their gender and to
imitate adults of the same gender.” Children can also learn to imitate their roles as
a boy or a girl through the activities they are exposed to, as example boys are
usually encouraged to fix their bicycle then to learn cooking. (1972: 531-532)
Simple things such colors can be used to socialize gender to children.
When painting and decorating the children’s bedroom parents already give the
children a perspective about gender. Like boys room can be painted in any colors
other than pink because it is more suited to girls. As Ferrante stated that the
socialization proses may occur in two different ways such as direct and indirect. It
is direct when the messages are deliberately aim at a specific child. On the other
hand, it is indirect when the children receive the information from books, TV,
magazine or in a conversation between adults (2003: 274).
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3. Theory on Machismo
Alison M. Scott defines machismo as “an ideology of masculinity which
emphasizes male dominance and virility. It defines relations between men
(aggression, honour, pride) as well as men’s behavior towards women (sexual
conquest, jealousy, possessiveness).” Scott also added that machismo is supported
by “patrilineal kinship system” which is like a “legal system” that gives Latinos
the liberty to do whatever they desire (1997: 74-75). From Scott’s theories it can
be said that machismo is like a doctrine that gives every Latinos the upper hand in
their society.
Julio Angulo’s master thesis sees machismo as a “psychological defense
mechanism.” In other words, the aggressiveness that Latinos display may be just
an act which triggered by their own vulnerability. A proud Latino will not easily
accept himself as a “pelado” or a chicken even if the situations say otherwise
(1980:7). Being macho is a choice; either a Latino can choose to live on or denies
its existence.
Socio-historically, the sense of inferiority originates in the Spanish
Conquest, where the Spaniards persistently dominated first the Indians and
later the Mexicans. In this context, machismo, the boastful exaggerations
of virility, is interpreted as an attempt to conceal the feeling of inferiority.
(Angulo 1980:7)
Angulo also added that machismo is not just an act to conceal inferiority
and vulnerability but also as requirement to protect oneself. Living in Latin
America country is no playground so one always has to be on alert of his
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surroundings and being macho is one of the ways to do so. Consequently, when
being provoked or threaten in some ways the macho man will certainly respond in
a more aggressive and protective manner (1980:7).
In addition, G. Miguel Arciniega and Thomas Anderson’s journal points
out that the concept of machismo consists of two parts. The first part is the
traditional machismo which “focuses on individual power and
hyper-
masculinity,” which means that machismo have to do with the aggressive
behaviors of Latinos whom prefers to be oppressive, violent, self-centered,
abusive to drug and alcohol and their punitive attitudes towards women.
The second part is “Caballerismo”. Caballerismo portray the positive
characteristics of machismo as a man who have dignity, braver, respects towards
either men or women, compassionate and protective towards his family.
Caballerismo itself come from a Spanish word “caballero” which mean cavalier
in English or a warrior. Over period of time in Spain caballero than evolve and
become a word that define a proper gentlemen with manners and ethics (2008: 1920).
Before Arciniega and Anderson come up with their conception of
machismo, it was Alfredo Mirandé who comes up with it first. Mirande in his
book Hombres y Machos Masculinity and Latino Culture gives two conceptions
of machismo which are the negative conception of machismo and the positive
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negative conception of machismo. Mirande’s conceptions are based from his
interviews with his Mexicans and Latinos respondents.
a. Negative conceptions
Mirande presented his negative conceptions of machismo in four different
themes such as synthetic or exaggerated masculinity, male dominance or
authoritarianism, violence and aggressiveness, and self-centeredness or egoism.
The first negative theme is synthetic or exaggerated masculinity and
according to Mirande “machos are men who are insecure in themselves and need
to prove manhood.” This theme relates with Latinos who prefer to act tough
rather than to accept their weaknesses or situations. These men will do anything
in order to preserve their self-image (1997: 69).
Male dominance and authoritarianism relates greatly to the relationship
between Latinos and their wives, as Mirande pointed out “within the family, the
macho figure is viewed as authoritarian, especially relative to the wife.” These
men will demand domination his household and the wives should follow
whatever they say (1997: 68-69).
Violence and aggressiveness is the third theme of Mirande’s negative
conception of machismo. This theme outlines “the expressions of violence,
aggressiveness, and irresponsibility, both inside and outside of the family.” These
negative behaviors may come in many forms and some of them are excessive
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drinking, eager to get into fights and beating their own families. Mirande also
stated that being macho is about “willingness to themselves and other at risk,
particularly physically” (1997:69-70).
The last of the negative theme is self-centered and egoism. This theme
views “macho as being self-centered, selfish and stubborn.” It is about Latinos
who is not a good listener to and self-righteous. These men will not admit if they
are wrong and will makes everything centered on their own personal welfare for
whatever the consequences. As Mirande stated “it is someone who wants to
impose his will on others or wants to be right, whether he is right or not.”
(1997:71)
b. Positive Conception
Mirande also give four themes to emphasize the positive conception of
machismo and those themes are assertiveness or standing up for rights,
responsibility and selflessness, general code ethics and sincerity and respect.
Assertiveness or standing up for what is rights is about the confidence of
man in living his life. Confident in this theme is more about how a Latino accepts
himself for the way it is without making any synthetic gesture to cover it. Being
macho in this theme is also about standing up for what is right, not afraid to tell
the truth and confident in facing any problems (1997:72-73).
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Responsibility and selflessness are two qualities that give machismo a
good impression. Macho in this theme is about a man who is willing to shoulder
any responsibility and think of other people’s welfare before his own (1997:73).
General code of ethics is about the ethical standard and principles of a
man. As Mirande quoted one of his respondents “I think macho does not have to
be a statesman, just a man that’s known to stand by his friends and follow
through.” It is about the way a man chooses to live his life and how he never back
out of his own words. This theme also shared the traits of first two themes
possesses (1997: 73-74).
The last theme of positive conception is sincerity and respect. It is about
honesty, genuineness and respect a man possesses for himself and to others
around him (1997:74).
C. Theoretical Framework
This section of the thesis reveals theories in analyzing the problem
formulation in this research. They are the theory of character and theory of
machismo. Both theories have their own function in answering the problems
formulated.
The theories on character and characterization are aimed to answer the
first problem formulation by describing the male characters in this play. As this
thesis is closely relates to analyzing human behavior, an understanding on
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character and characterization theories is very crucial to analyze these characters.
The writer is confident with the character and characterization theories from Hans
P. Guth in his book Discover Literature Studies, Poems and Plays and Milly S.
Barranger’s in Understanding Plays, as their theories give a clear picture in
describing a character.
After displaying the characteristics of both characters, the writer then
moves to the second problem formulation which is to see how the male characters
perceived the concept of machismo. In this stage the writer tries to fit the profiles
of Orlando and Alejo with the theories on gender roles and machismo.
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CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
A. Object of the Study
The Conduct of Life is one of Maria Irene Fornes’s important works in her
years as feminist drama writer. The theme and main characters of this play situate
the effect of male domination over women.
On 15th of February 1988 The Conduct of Life was performed in Chicago
at the Organic Theater. Directed by Thomas Riccio the play receives a great deal
of positive responses. As Richard Christiansen an entertainment editor from
Chicago Tribune put itin his article entitled “Conduct of Life’ Peels Layers of
Pain “The Conduct of Life”nevertheless is galvanized by the same sense of
palpable mystery in Fornes` theatricality.” There are two things that can be taken
from Christiansen’s words such as Fornes was always consistence with her work
and The Conduct of Lifeis as good as expected (articles.chicagotribune.com, 5th
August 2012).
The Conduct of Life is taken from the book Understanding Plays, on
chapter 15 from page 652 to 666, published in 1994 and printed in Massachusetts
by a Division of Simon and Schuster. The Conduct of Life was written 1985 and it
consists of nineteen scene fragments. The setting of this play sets in a house in
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Latin American country, the house are intodivided into four sets such as the living
room, warehouse, dining room and hallway. There are two male characters and
three female characters. These characters are divided into three major characters
and two minor characters in this play.
The Conduct of Life portrays the daily life of a Hispanic military family.
This family consists of a military man that dominates his wife and two other
women whom also lives in the house. Living in the same house with his wife does
not stop him of bullying and harassing the two other women. Throughout the play
there is alsoone minor male character that appears mostly at beginning. Unlike the
other male character this man possesses softer and weaker personalities.
B. Approach of the Study
It is important to apply a critical approach to literature in this study
because it helps the writer to do this study and prevent the discussion to going out
of context. Therefore the writer applies the gender study as the approach of this
study.
The writer considers gender study as the appropriate approach to this
study. This is because gender study not only talks about women but also about
men and issues they encounter in responding to patriarchal society. Kennedy
states “gender criticism examines how sexual identity influences the creation and
reception of literary work” (1999:1959).
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Kimmel in proclaims that “sex is male and female; gender is masculinity
and femininity: what it means to be man or a woman.” Kimmel also require his
readers to look beyond just “biological differences” and focus on things such as
“hierarchy, power and inequality” and how they influence both male and female.
This definition of gender study by Kimmel can be used to explore how the male
characters in this play respond to masculinity (2000:1).
C. Method of the Study
In assembling this research, the writer carried out the library research
method. The writer divides the sources into two parts which are the primary
source and the secondary source. The primary source is the play itself, Maria
Irene Fornes’sThe Conduct of Life, which was taken from the book of
Understanding Plays. Meanwhile, the secondary sources consist of references to
support this research such as Literature: an Introduction to Fiction, Poetry and
Drama 7th edition by X.J Kennedy and Dana Gioid, The Gendered Society by
Michael Kimmel, The Fontana Dictionary of Modern Thought by Alan Bullock,
Understanding Plays by Milly S. Barranger’s, of Discover Literature Studies,
Poems and Plays by Hans P. Guth and a journal by G. Miguel Arciniega and T
homas Anderson entitled Toward a Fuller Conception of Machismo:
Development of a Traditional Machismo and Caballerismo Scale.
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After collecting all the references and data, the writer tries to answer the
problem formulations by applying and elaborating the approach and theories
concerning to this research. Theories on characterization apply to answering the
first problem formulation. On the other hand, theories of machismo came into
picture in answering the second problem formulation. After this process, the
writer came to the last section which is to conclude this research by reviewing all
the answer and come up with a conclusion about this study.
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CHAPTER IV
ANALYSIS
The aim of this chapter is to answer problem formulations which are
presented in the previous chapter. This chapter is divided into two sections.
Firstly, the writer analyses the characteristics of the male characters in this play.
The characters are analyzed from their thought, interaction with other characters,
behavior, action and narration. Secondly, using the data from the analysis of
characters and combining with the theories of gender and machismo, the writer
tries to work out how each male character responds to the concept of machismo.
A. Characteristics of Orlando and Alejo
The discussion of character and characterization in this section of the
analysis is divided into two parts. The first part discusses the characteristics of
Orlando, one of the main characters of this play and the second part of this section
talks about Alejo’s character.
1. Orlando
a. Pretentious
As explained in chapter two that “synthetic or exaggerated masculinity” is
behavior or an act that a Latino puts up in order to cover his weaknesses and
limitations. Orlando shows this sort of behavior a number of times throughout the
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play. The first example can be seen at the very beginning of the play where
Orlando displays his physical attributes.
Orlando is doing jumping jacks in the upper left corner of the dining room
in the dark. A light slowly, comes up on him. He wears military breeches
held by suspenders, and a riding boots. He does jumping-jack as long as it
can be endured. (p.652)
The way Fornes presents Orlando in this act gives the readers or audience
an idea about this character. The military breeches and riding boots symbolizes
machismo that this man really concern with psychical image. Orlando exercising
is not just a matter of being healthy but an attempt to fulfill his needs which to get
physically stronger and more muscular.
Orlando may put up an act to show that he is not weak and he has no
remorse and emotional response towards anything but the truth is that he was
actually hurting when no one is looking. As stated by Mirande “machos are men
who are insecure in themselves and need to prove their manhood” (1997:68).
Orlando tries to conceal his insecurity by pushing and dominating others however
it did not bring him anything good but only pain. However, Nena the girl Orlando
uses as a sexual object saw through Orlando’s theatrical masculinity.
NENA: … And if someone should treat me unkindly, I should not blind
myself with rage, but I should see them and receive them, since
maybe they are in worse pain than me. (P.663-664)
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The reason Nena knew about Orlando’s condition is because he revealed it
to her. On scene thirteen Orlando reveals himself that he is in pain and insecure,
and where he is actually looking for some comfort.
ORLANDO: what I do to you is out of love. Out of want. It’s not what
you think. I wish you didn’t have to be hurt I don’t do it out
of hatred. It is not out of rage. It is love. It is a quiet feeling.
It is quiet and it pierces my insides in the most internal way.
It is most private self. And this I give to you. Don’t be afraid.
It is a desire to destroy and to see things destroyed and to see
the inside of them. It’s my nature. I must hide it from others.
But I don’t feel remorse. I was born this way and I must have
this. I need love. I wish you did not hurt and recoil from me.
(p.661-662)
Two things can be concluded from Orlando’s soliloquy. First, Orlando
does enjoy violent. Second, his macho sneers are also aim to cover his insecurity
and his need for love.
b. Oppressive
One thing for sure about Orlando is that he dominated all the other
characters in this play especially in his household. Orlando is a suitable sample to
represent the saying “whatever I say goes.”
In order for a relationship to work there must be a balanced between both
parties. However it does not work for Orlando because he prefers to make a
decision that only suits him. As seen on the despite between Orlando and Leticia
on scene fourteen of the play. When Leticia found out that her husband secretly
had been keeping another girl in their home whom he uses to satisfy his sexual
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needs, Leticia tries to come up with some sort of resolution which is to bring her
friend Mona to stay with her for a while so she can process this situation. Orlando
as usual rejects this request of his wife and makes another decision of his own
that will only hurt his wife even more which is to make Nena their servant.
(Barranger, 1994: 662).
Another example of Orlando’s domination throughout of the play is that
neither Alejo nor Olimpia dares to talk and expose the truth about Nena to Leticia
not until she discovers it for herself as seen on scene twelve.
OLIMPIA : here kitty, kitty. (Leticia walks to Olimpia, look closely at the
plate then up at Olimpia.)
LETICIA : What is it?
OLIMPIA : Food.
LETICIA : Who is it for? (Olimpia turns her eyes away and doesn’t
answer. Leticia decides to go to the cellar. She stops half way
there.) Who is it?
OLIMPIA : A cat. (Leticia opens the cellar.)
LETICIA : It’s not a cat. I’m going down. (She opens the door to the
cellar and starts to go down.) I want to see who is there.
(p.661)
Olimpia, as seen on scene eleven, is the one character that seems to have
the courage to confront Orlando but in this case, she also does not have enough
strength to tell the truth and to expose Orlando. Some may argue that the reason
Olimpia lied about Nena is because she was protecting both Leticia and Nena but
still Orlando’s affection is hard to deny.
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In addition, Orlando does not only dominate the female characters but also
Alejo as well. Even though Alejo and Orlando hold the same ranks in the military
but whenever Alejo is also afraid to confront Orlando whenever he does
something reckless and violent.
ORLANDO: He was repulsive to us.
ALEJO
: I never hurt him.
ORLANDO: well, you never stopped me.
ALEJO
: I didn’t know how to stop you. I didn’t know anyone could
behave the way you did. It frightened me. It changed me. I
become hopeless.
ORLANDO: You were always hopeless. (p.657)
From their dialogue above it can be said that Alejo is afraid of Orlando.
Because of his fear towards Orlando, Alejo is somehow defenseless and easier to
be dominated by Orlando.
c. Violent
Violent and aggressive are behaviors that machos like Orlando will
certainly possess. These behaviors can also be connected to the previous points
such as fake and oppressive behaviors. In order to show his domination over other
characters Orlando usually confronted these people in an aggressive manner.
Orlando’s explosive temper and violent behavior are displayed a number
of times throughout the whole play. His temper is like a super active volcano that
can erupt anytime, he is easily provoke even with a slightest thing such an
opinions that opposite to his or an opinion aim to criticize his action. He does not
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fancy people telling him what to do and questioning him but he prefers to do
things on his own terms and expect everyone else to just agree with him.
LETICIA: What! Me go hunting do you think I’m going to shoot a dear,
the most beautiful animal in the world? Do you think I’m going
to destroy a deer? On the contrary, I would run on the field and
scream and wave my arms like a mad woman and try to scare
them away so the hunters could not reach them.
ORLANDO: Hunting is a sport! A skill! Don’t talk about anything you
know nothing about. Must you have an opinion about every
damn thing! Can’t you keep your mouth shut when you don’t
know what you’re talking about? (p.653)
Orlando’s bad temper usually leads to violence. For someone like Orlando
who is thirst for promotion in the military will certainly take every assignment
given to him seriously. It can be seen from the case of Felo, a man who were
tortured during an interrogation with Orlando. Alejo who witness Orlando’s
action was terrified because he could not believe that Orlando is capable of such
violence. Violence is something Orlando enjoys because it will showcase his
superiority towards other people.
ORLANDO: what is viciousness?
ALEJO: You.
ORLANDO: Me?
ALEJO:The way your tortured Felo?
ORLANDO: I never tortured Felo
ALEJO: You did
ORLANDO: Boys play that way. You did too (p.657).
From the way Alejo confronted him and how this conversation shaped it
can be said that Orlando’s conscious will not feel any remorse for Felo because it
seem like violence is just a necessary thing to do during an interrogation. His
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violent behavior does not end at his headquarters but he also brings it along to his
home. Nena, a young girl who he kept to fulfill his sexual desire is the one that
always suffer sexual and physical abuse from this sadistic tyrant.
NENA: ... and he took to a place. And he hurt me. I fought with him but I
stopped fighting because I couldn’t fight anymore and he did
things to me… and he beat me. And he hung me on the wall.
(p.663)
Not only Orlando uses Nena as a punching bag but also to satisfy his
sexual needs. Viewing from his relationship with both Leticia and Nena, Orlando
fits the profile of a pedophile. As someone who is more sexually attracted a
young girl than to much older women. Orlando feeling towards Leticia is already
shown at the first scene where he acknowledged that he does not love her. Leticia
is also aware of the situation where her husband is not attracted to her anymore.
LETICIA: He told me he didn’t love me, and that his sole relationship to
me was simply a marital one. What he means is that I am to
keep this house, and he is to provide for it. (p.653)
NENA: ... He touches himself and he touches his breasts and he touches
his stomach and his behind. He puts his fingers in my parts and
he keeps reciting. Then he turns me on my stomach and puts
himself inside me. He says I belong to him. (p.663)
Orlando’s attraction to Nena can be seen through a number of occasions in
this play which strengthen Orlando position as a pedophile. Firstly, as previously
mentioned Orlando is not sexually attracted to Leticia. Second, Nena is a twelve
years girl who is the victim of Orlando’s sexual disorder. The relationship
between Orlando and Nena is forged by Orlando’s lies and force. One scene
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twelve Orlando may proclaim that what happened between him and Nena is a
product of their love but in this modern era having sexual relationship with a
twelve years old is just wrong and it is against the law.
d. Egoistic
Orlando is an ambitious and self-centered sort of person, as seen from his
first monologue at the first scene. While displaying his physical traits, Orlando
sets his goal for the future. He knows exactly where his current position is
whether in his own marriage or his career at the military. Orlando convinces
himself that he does have a plan to prosper and improve and he will not stop until
he reaches it.
ORLANDO: Thirty three and I’m still a lieutenant. In two years I’ll
receive a promotion. I promise myself I will not spend time
feeling sorry for myself. Instead I will study the situation and
draw an effective plan of action. I must eliminate all obstacles.
I will make acquaintance of people in high power. If I cannot
achieve this on my own merit, I will marry woman in high
circles. Leticia must not be an obstacle. Man must have an
ideal, mine is to achieve maximum power. That is my destinyno other interest will deter me from this. (p.652-653).
Orlando is very determined to reach his goal which is “to achieve
maximum power” and he is willing to go the distance. There is nothing wrong of
being ambitious but the issue is with the process of how we get to a place where
we desire. Orlando in this case is prepared to make all the sacrifices that he needs
including his own marriage. He even planned to leave his wife Leticia and marry
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any women who will provide him with paths to the top. He wants nothing other
than to be on the top of the food chain.
Orlando does not only have trouble with his temper but also his
incapability of caring and responding to other people’s feeling. Given in any
circumstances Orlando will say anything to defend himself without considering
the situation and who he was talking to. He cheated on his wife right under her
nose and when she confronted him about sexual affairs he still have the gut to
stay calm and responded as if he has done nothing wrong. All this man ever cares
about is his well-being and nothing else.
LETICIA: Don’t make her scream?
ORLANDO: You’re crazy.
LETICIA: Don’t I give you enough?
ORLANDO: (he’s calm) don’t start.
LETICIA: How long is she going to stay here?
ORLANDO: Not long.
LETICIA: Don’t make her cry. I can’t stand it. Why do you make her
scream?
ORLANDO: I don’t make her scream.
LETICIA: She screams.
ORLANDO: I can’t help it. (p.662)
For a Latina marriage is something sacred and when they agree to marry
someone it is because of love and the promise to take good of each other. From
the quotations above we can see two things for certain that Leticia as the wife is
devastated and Orlando does not really seem to care and respect her feeling. In
scene two, Orlando makes sure Leticia know that she is a humiliation to him and
their relationship is just a marital one.
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2. Alejo
a. Weak
Alejo as the other male characters in this play is described as one of the
weakest character even among the female characters. As a minor character Alejo
only appears a few times in the whole play, his qualities that can be explore are
also limited and the ones that are presented only shows his weak sides. The
weaknesses that he shows involve how he fears Orlando and lets Orlando push
him around.
ORLANDO: Well, you never stopped me.
ALEJO:
I didn’t know how to stop you. I didn’t know anyone could
behave the way you did. It frightened me. It changed me. I
became hopeless.
ORLANDO: You were always hopeless. (p.657)
The quotations above are taken from scene six and dialogue is about how
Alejo reacted to Orlando’s behavior during an interrogation with a prisoner. It
took Alejo a while before he could bring up the issue of Orlando’s violent
behavior as he did not have the courage to say anything during the interrogation.
Alejo is horrified of what he witnessed but as a lieutenant commander in the army
he must have the stomach to deal with such situation because it will not do him
any good in war. Orlando might be wrong in his behaviors but in some ways he is
also right. Alejo should toughen himself up or he can quit the military and get
another job.
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b. Pessimistic
Alejo also described as a man who lacks of enthusiasm of his the future.
Unlike Orlando who is very ambitious on improving his life, Alejo on the other
hand seems to lost interest and passion on everything he does.
ALEJO:
Look at me. I used to be an idealist. Now I don’t have any
feeling for anything. I used to be strong, healthy, I looked at
the future with hope. (p.657)
Another reason that caused Alejo to lose interest of the future is because
he became sexually impotent. His inability to feel passionate human feeling
symbolizes the hopelessness of Alejo’s life. One of the reason is that Every
Latinos are obliged to be able to impregnate a woman, so if one to lose that ability
then it can be said that his life is as good as over because not every woman are
willing to take an interest in a man who cannot give them children.
Alejo is also exhausted with a world which is full of ups and downs, rights
and wrongs, good and evil. He has giving up and he questions anyone who still
has the courage to push on in this world especially someone like Leticia whom
out of all people is still eager to improve and change her life even with a husband
such as Orlando and her academic background. He feels there is nothing left for
him to fight for because of the cruelty he sees.
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c. Compassionate
Even if already lost hope for himself but Alejo in this play is also
described as a humane, a quality that Orlando lacks. Alejo may be weak on some
points and lost his interest on the future but he never loses his compassion for
others. As he shown at least two times throughout the play.
ALEJO: Now I don’t. I know what viciousness is.
ORLANDO: what is viciousness?
ALEJO: You.
ORLANDO: Me?
ALEJO:The way your tortured Felo.
ORLANDO: I never tortured Felo.
ALEJO: You did.
ORLANDO: Boys play that way. You did too.
ALEJO: I didn’t.
ORLANDO: He was repulsive to us.
ALEJO: I never hurt him.
ORLANDO: Well, you never stopped me.
ALEJO: I didn’t know how to stop you. I didn’t know anyone could
behave the way you did. It frightened me. It changed me. I
become hopeless. (p.657)
From these quotations Alejo shows clearly that he despised excessive
violence in any kind of form. It affected him so much to cause him to lose hope.
This quality also sets him apart from Orlando because he shows sympathy to the
violence which Felo suffers even if he is unable to stop it.
Another humane gesture which Alejo carry out can be seen on scene
eleven. This scene takes place in the basement where Alejo actually spend his
time to sit alone and watch Nena a homeless girl and Olympia who is Orlando’s
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maid playing pattycake. This situation shows how social status does not affect
Alejo as he treats them who are socially beneath him as his equal.
B. Concept of Machismo Seen Through the Characters
The concept machismo is seen as defense mechanism in Latin American
country and it has been part of their culture. Machismo mark out the relationship
between men will only grow around aggression, honor and pride, and the
relationship between men and women will evolve around men’s sexual conquest,
jealousy and possessiveness.
As stated in chapter two, machismo is divided into two different
conceptions. The first definition is the traditional machismo which portrays an
aggressive behavior of a Latino to show their manliness or masculinity. The
second definition is the positive side of machismo which sum up to the word
Caballero, it also shows masculinity only less aggressive.
Fornes in The Conduct of Life put a lot effort to cover every aspect of
machismo. She created two male characters with the same background such as
they are both Latino and co-worker at the military. In terms of behavior and
vision of the way they live their lives these two men are totally the opposite of
each other. In this section the writer divides the analysis into two sections
accordingly to each male character to see how they perceive the concept of
machismo.
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1. Orlando
Traditional machismo is another form of machismo that consists of
behaviors and attitudes such as abusive, narcissistic, hypersexuallity, violent and
oppressive. These behaviors are supported by their culture or in other words their
community actually allows Latinos to behave this way. (Scott, 1997: 74-75)
Latinos are exposed and introduced to the concept of machismo since the
very early age of their lives. These young Latinos are taught that being born as
male in Latin American community already gives them the right and advantages
to be superior and to dominate anyone especially over women (Scott, 1997: 7475). Similar to any other Latinos Orlando is certainly raised in an environment
where teaches him the superiority of men. As machismo is a standard that
influences many aspects of Orlando’s behavior and as a result it drives him to
behave aggressively and any ways he chooses because he believes it is his right to
do so and no one can tell him otherwise.
Orlando is also someone who recognizes his own weaknesses and one of
his weaknesses is his sexual passion. He believes that in order to fulfill his goal
which is “to achieve maximum power” he must eliminate these weaknesses or at
least tries to cover it up by embracing the standards of machismo. He also uses
machismo as “psychological defense mechanism” as Angulo views it (Angulo,
1980:7). He needs to be aggressive in order to protect himself. He is insecure
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about his domestic and love life, but he also cannot let ot