Comparing Desiree's Baby And The Storm

As technology and innovation progressed, so did women’s demands. Both authors, Chopin and Anderson, question women’s identity and fulfillment of it. In “Desiree’s Baby,” several prevalent themes exist; the main one that I will address is how Chopin underlines the authoritarian control men still had over women, while also giving a glimpse of gender inequality. In “The Storm,” Chopin’s characters challenge the traditional roles expected in marriage. Both, Calixta and Alcee, have a strong urge to satisfy their sexual needs, which are unfulfilled by their spouse. However, they are satisfied with every other aspect of their life. Interestingly, Calixta releases her frustration with society’s expectations for women by committing adultery, once …show more content…
Sherwood’s works delineate the demands women began to pursue, a few being professional work and mobility. In “Mother,” Elizabeth Willard struggles to find happiness in her dull lifestyle. The younger Elizabeth was much different than the one we learn about now. When she was younger, she had the dream of becoming an actress. Unfortunately, society had different plans for her. The Elizabeth we learn about today has not only accepted her expected role as a woman, but she has also resigned from pursuing her passion. Elizabeth differs from Desiree and Calixta by the way she views her husband. Elizabeth becomes filled with revulsion every time she thinks about Tom. She maintains a very pessimistic outlook and the only joy she finds is through her son. Elizabeth’s illness prevents her from carrying out the expected duties of housewife’s, however, she still carries around the burden of never getting the opportunity to pursue her acting career. The way the short story ends by Anderson stating “”I think you had better go out among the boys. You are too much indoors,”” shows the lack of variety in their lives (Page 273). It also shows Elizabeth’s acceptance as towards societies expectations held by women. Her lack of mobility traps her there for eternity, just as she grew up there she will also die there. She contemplates killing her husband, but she has accepted her role in society and is aware it would be selfish to leave her child alone in the world. A much gloomier view than Chopin’s two stories, Anderson illustrates how the housewife role is not cut out for every women. In contrast, Alice Hindman in “Adventure” struggles to accept her duties as a women in society. Unlike the other three, Alice is unwedded. Nonetheless, she encountered the dilemma when she was hoping to move with Ned to Cleveland. Ned initially agreed, but quickly reversed his