Free Essays on The Blank Pages

Throughout the texts that have been read, southern white women have been portrayed in a number of different lights. Although the manners in which these women are described aren’t the same, the end result hasn’t changed. The southern white woman has been expected to display numerous personality traits, some of which she embodied naturally, and others that were just societal constructions. Initially, these women just accepted the conflicting expectations thrust upon them. But as time went on and they realized that they did not have to live these contradictions, the southern white woman began to construct her own personality, discarding any expectations she did not see fit to exemplify. This essay will address the evolution of the southern white woman in context to her relationship to African Americans. More specifically, she is a woman who has had inconsistent personality traits forced on her. This conflict of character was pivotal in her relationship to blacks because it is the source of her eventual acceptance of the people. When they realized that their relationship to black was shaped by the hypocritical opinions of white males, they were able to reject them and form opinions of their own. â€Å"Like a blank page, the Confederate Woman is an unfilled space, ‘pure’ so that the ideology of the plantation South may be inscribed on her: she is represented as being what men are not and what blacks are not - soul, not flesh† (Roberts, pg. 2). This view of the southern white woman has resonated in just about every text we have read and it encompasses every description that has been given to her. The first part of this quote should be most troubling. Calling her a blank slate reduces her to a being who is unable to produce her own thought; making her primed and ready to accept any roles or beliefs that are to be given to her. Also, it is just plain insulting. Children have often been equated to blank slates. Because of their lack of ... Free Essays on The Blank Pages Free Essays on The Blank Pages Throughout the texts that have been read, southern white women have been portrayed in a number of different lights. Although the manners in which these women are described aren’t the same, the end result hasn’t changed. The southern white woman has been expected to display numerous personality traits, some of which she embodied naturally, and others that were just societal constructions. Initially, these women just accepted the conflicting expectations thrust upon them. But as time went on and they realized that they did not have to live these contradictions, the southern white woman began to construct her own personality, discarding any expectations she did not see fit to exemplify. This essay will address the evolution of the southern white woman in context to her relationship to African Americans. More specifically, she is a woman who has had inconsistent personality traits forced on her. This conflict of character was pivotal in her relationship to blacks because it is the source of her eventual acceptance of the people. When they realized that their relationship to black was shaped by the hypocritical opinions of white males, they were able to reject them and form opinions of their own. â€Å"Like a blank page, the Confederate Woman is an unfilled space, ‘pure’ so that the ideology of the plantation South may be inscribed on her: she is represented as being what men are not and what blacks are not - soul, not flesh† (Roberts, pg. 2). This view of the southern white woman has resonated in just about every text we have read and it encompasses every description that has been given to her. The first part of this quote should be most troubling. Calling her a blank slate reduces her to a being who is unable to produce her own thought; making her primed and ready to accept any roles or beliefs that are to be given to her. Also, it is just plain insulting. Children have often been equated to blank slates. Because of their lack of ...

Character Analysis of Molieres Comedy Tartuffe

Character Analysis of Moliere's Comedy Tartuffe Written by Jean-Baptiste Poquelin (better known as Molià ¨re), Tartuffe was first performed in 1664. However, its run was cut short because of the controversy surrounding the play. The comedy takes place in Paris in the 1660s and pokes fun at gullible people who are easily fooled by Tartuffe, a hypocrite who pretends to be deeply moral and religious. Because of its satirical nature, religious devotees felt threatened by the play, censoring it from public performances. Tartuffe the Character Although he does not appear until half-way through Act One, Tartuffe is discussed extensively by all of the other characters. Most of the characters realize that Tartuffe is a loathsome hypocrite who pretends to be a religious zealot. However, the wealthy Orgon and his mother fall for Tartuffe’s illusion. Before the action of the play, Tartuffe arrives at Orgon’s house as a mere vagrant. He masquerades as a religious man and convinces the master of the house (Orgon) to stay as a guest indefinitely. Orgon begins to adhere to Tartuffe’s every whim, believing that Tartuffe is leading them on the pathway to heaven. Little does Orgon realize, Tartuffe is actually scheming to steal away Orgon’s home, Orgon’s daughter’s hand in marriage, and the fidelity of Orgon’s wife. Orgon, The Clueless Protagonist The protagonist of the play, Orgon is comically clueless. Despite the warnings from family members and a very vocal maid, Orgon devotedly believes in Tartuffe’s piety. Throughout most of the play, he is easily duped by Tartuffe – even when Orgon’s son, Damis, accuses Tartuffe of trying to seduce Orgon’s wife, Elmire. Finally, he witnesses Tartuffe’s true character. But by then it is too late. In an effort to punish his son, Orgon hands over his estate to Tartuffe who intends to kick the Orgon and his family out into the streets. Fortunately for Orgon, the King of France (Louis XIV) recognizes Tartuffe’s deceitful nature and Tartuffe is arrested at the end of the play. Elmire, Orgons Loyal Wife Although she is often frustrated by her foolish husband, Elmire remains a loyal wife throughout the play. One of the more hilarious moments in this comedy takes place when Elmire asks her husband to hide and observe Tartuffe. While Orgon watches in secret, Tartuffe reveals his lustful nature as he tries to seduce Elmire. Thanks to her plan, Orgon finally figures out just how gullible he has been. Madame Pernelle, Orgons Self-Righteous Mother This elderly character begins the play by chastising her family members. She is also convinced that Tartuffe is a wise and pious man and that the rest of the household should follow his instructions. She is the last one to finally realize Tartuffe’s hypocrisy. Mariane, Orgons Dutiful Daughter Originally, her father approved of her engagement to her true love, the handsome Valà ¨re. However, Orgon decides to cancel the arrangement and compels his daughter to marry Tartuffe. She has no desire to marry the hypocrite, yet she believes that a proper daughter should obey her father. Valà ¨re, Marianes True Love Headstrong and madly in love with Mariane, Valà ¨re’s heart is wounded when Mariane suggests they call off the engagement. Fortunately, Dorine, the crafty maid, helps them patch things up before the relationship falls apart. Dorine, Marianes Clever Maid The outspoken maid of Mariane. Despite her humble social status, Dorine is  the wisest and wittiest character in the play. She sees through Tartuffe’s schemes more readily than anyone else. And she is not afraid to speak her mind, even at the risk of being scolded by Orgon. When open communication and reasoning fail, Dorine helps Elmire and the others come up with their own schemes to expose Tartuffe’s wickedness.