Social Dilemma of Masculinity and Femininity

Paper Summary:

This paper argues that the guidelines of masculinity and femininity only serve as a hindrance to the advancement of human relations amongst gender in today's society. To illustrate her belief, the author examines Shakespeare's "Hamlet", Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" and Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House". The paper suggests that society should learn to not set mandatory rules defining gender behavior but rather should establish a multitude of options for an individual that allow him or her to choose what kind of man or woman to be.

From the Paper:

"These outdated teachings don't just stifle men from better understanding himself. They also in a sense take away women's right to be themselves. The common idea of femininity doesn't allow a woman to be herself but forces her to abide by the laws and standards of men. A "feminine" woman behaves in a certain way to please the men around her, from how she dresses to how she talks to them. In the classic play "A Doll's House", Henrik Ibsen captures the idea of women living to please men in order to be seen as feminine through the protagonist Nora."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Hafiz. The Gift. New York: Penguin Group, 1999.
• Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. London: Hutchinson Group, 1986.
• Theroux, Paul. "Being a Man". 80 Readings for Composition. David Munger. New York: Pearson Longman, 2006.
• Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. New York: First Anchor Books, 1994.
• Gerzon, Mark. "Manhood: The Elusive Goal". 80 Readings for Composition. David Munger. New York: Pearson Longman, 2006.

More papers on Social Dilemma of Masculinity and Femininity:

• Term Paper # 134405 : "Social Construction of Masculinity and Femininity"
• Analytical Essay # 149291 : "Masculinity and Femininity in "Hamlet"
• Comparison Essay # 23221 : "Anais Nin and John Nash; the Social Nature of Acceptance and Success"

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