Social Issues In Far From Heaven

Composers raise social and political issues that reflect the context in which they are exposed, in order to critique and analyse the values and prejudice of their time towards the outsider. The Victorian text ‘Scarlet Letter’ by Nathaniel Hawthorn revolves around the Puritan religion in relation to the outsider. It explores the dangers of a society that make religion and politics the sole basis of its law and order. Similarly, Todd Haynes 2002 film ‘Far from Heaven’ reflects issues of homosexuality, gender, and race in the conservative Post World War 2 , 1950- 1960’s America. Haynes examines how segregation based on prejudice creates an unjust society that victimises any outsiders who diverge from the norms of society. Both composers raise …show more content…
The facade of simple Christian living hides the unacceptable social taboos. Haynes presents a facade of a simple christian family, concealing unacceptable taboos such as. Haynes focuses on social prejudice and stereotypical attitude of the conservative community. Gender roles of women and men were socially accepted as being that men went to the office and women stayed home doing domestic duties. In the All-American alienating society homosexuality was considered a disease posing a social threat and inducing discussed as Eleanor emphases in her emphatic statement “I just like all the men I 'm around to be all men.”, further exposing the rejection and stigma of homosexuals. This metaphor shows how homosexuals were not publicly mentioned furthermore looked down upon and considered to be a mental sickness. They were unable to fully express themselves as people placed judgement and prejudice affecting their lives in the areas of marriage, employment and property. Women were discriminated against due they had unequal rights and had no representation in the political or professional line of work. Cathy as a woman is expected is expected to uphold social norms by staying home. She is marginalised and gossiped about when she is sighted with and African American man. She conceals all her emotions “It 's all smoke and mirrors”, showing a preston …show more content…
The hypocritical Puritan society marginalises Hester at “every gesture, every word implied that she was banished”, her existence is simply a crime. Hester assumes her old identity making herself invisible by wearing plain clothing however she refuses to submit to society’s persecutions. Pearl is another source of scrutiny for Hester “as being of great price”, Pearl has caused Hester to lose everything socially and physically. Pearl is a symbolic embodiment of Hester’s sin and a metaphor for the crime she has committed. Pearl has caused Hester to lose her reputation, community and religion making her and outsider. However ironically she taught her individuality in the face to being ostracised by the community. In the strict Puritan society being an unwed single mother with an illegitimate child was extremely dangerous as it led to homelessness or prostitution. Nevertheless, Hester’s good will led her to become a living symbol for the community the paradoxical statement “The letter was the symbol of her calling”, emphasises Hester’s refusal to leave the demeaning society and instead doing charitable work showing the strength of her individuality and never allowing anyone to define her. Despite being an outsider Hester stayed showing that her strength not allowing herself to fall under the Puritan society’s scrutiny. Hawthorn projects the ideas that