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  • Essay / Gender Roles within Puss in Boots - 1130

    Angela Carter uses her interpretation of “Puss in Boots” to convey a notion relating to gender roles within society; notions relating in particular to the place of women in the eyes of the population. Through the character dynamics and perception of Puss, Carter is able to impress on the reader his ideas regarding the role of women in society in a commendable manner. The first vestige of gender role analysis is prevalent in the names of the male characters: Puss. in boots, Signor Panteleone and Master. These names refer to male dominance within society. Both Puss in Boots and Signor Panteleone refer to clothing associated with men and their authoritative role within society. Both pants and boots are emblematic of assertiveness and dominance. Therefore, the coincidental reference to their names and their masculine nature leads the reader to perceive that the male characters are supreme in terms of their position in society. The Cat's companion, however, is simply referred to as "Master" throughout the text. This term recalls the power of the Master and the societal expectation that other characters submit to him; it can also allude to the notion of a male bearing the designation of Master of the House. This emphasizes the traditional role of men and their presumed right to power, thus tricking the reader into believing that the character in question is the dominant character in the story. The phallus symbolizes male domination and power. The Cat's pride in his own endowments is a dominant theme throughout the story. Puss is often seen glorifying and praising his own physique, which leads him to self-medicate throughout the novel. This suggests that it's middle of paper... what she needs. She, an elder who should be respected, submits in a way that befits a woman in this society. This further illustrates the inherent control that men have over women. By the end of the story, Tabby and the women exert control over Puss and the Master, while maintaining the illusion that the men are the dominant party in the relationship. This means that women can indeed gain control over their and their partner's lives without deviating from their inherent femininity, as they hold the power to manipulate men in a subtle and sensual way. Angela Carter portrays the idea that women can become dominant in a humorous way. . This witty manner allows her to explore the concept in a socially acceptable way, thereby encouraging women's liberation and denouncing men's entitlement to women without facing serious repercussions..