The role of Gender in Colette "The Hand"

The obedient role of the female in a marriage or relationship is a common problem in many societies, including our own American society. This role has become so common that in fact it is now expected of the female. This male dominance goes as far back as the human race, to the beginning of relationships and marriage between the female and the male. The physical competency of the male led to his dominance in all situations and thus formed these roles. Even presently, with all our advances in equal rights and women’s advances in the work fields, this role of compliance and passivity is still present among our society. As a women myself, I find it hard to understand why women accept this role.

These roles are ingrained into our society. The men are raised to lead and take charge. Women, on the other hand, are taught that their place is to keep peace, and in most scenarios that means conforming. There are many reasons women accept or allow this role. For many women, they find safety in allowing the male to dominate the relationship. The dominant role of a male is familiar or so expected that the women fear changing the situation. Many authors illustrate this role of the sexes and p

She does all she can to satisfy him and to comfort him, even at the expense of her comfort or any other luxuries. For example, “the arm twisted again, feebly, and she arched her back to make herself lighter” (Meyer 163). Here, she is surrendering to him, even if it is through his unspoken wishes and through his actions. Even though this is a minute example, she is giving in to his desires. She gives up what she would rather have in order to keep him content. Colette uses the description of the characters to emphasize the unbalance of power. Not only does the husband outweigh the wife in power in the relationship; he is physically dominant as well.

Why does she choose this life? For the young wife, as for many women who accept the same path, there is security in the non-dominant role. All the decisions are made for them. Also, it might be that she knows no other love. This is her first relationship and she is still an adolescent. She does not know if these roles are normal and accepted, but she also doesn’t know if they are not. This life is still exciting and new to her, and for the most part she enjoys it. He is not abusive all the time; in fact he is often charming. The next morning he shows his charming side when he asks “Do you want this slice, darling? I’ll butter it for you” (Meyer 164).

This story depicts many of the reasons behind the formation and the continuation of these roles of dominance and submission. It began a long time ago with the male being physically dominant, and then assumed supremacy in relationships. The women were forced physically or verbally or emotionally to obey and comply. Now, with advances in women’s rights and the expansion of women’s role in the workplace and society, they are given a chance to abolish or escape these roles. Yet, many of the women do not take this chance. Maybe they feel it is their duty, or are just scared of the change. Or perhaps the women do not recognize the male supremacy, as the young wife in “The Hand” initially did not. For whatever reason, it is strong enough so that the women continue to accept these roles as they have for hundreds of years. These will not change until either the women decide to change and not given in to men, and society cease to breed these roles into the minds of the children.

By the conclusion of the story, the wife realizes the power

Some topics in this essay:
Hand” Colette, Role Genders, Writing Literature, Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, Goncourt Academy, meyer 164, change women, hand described, behavior hand, “the hand”, meyer 163, unbalance power, women accept, physically dominant, reasons women,