The successful and controversial play Les Belles Soeurs written by Michel Tremblay, explores restrictions of the constricting values of 1960’s Quebec on women. This play has been translated into 20 languages, allowing it to be performed all over the world (larevolutiontranquille). This play’s success lies in its relatability. The play unveils a universal truth: all cultures have some form of limitation. This truth is evidenced through Tremblay’s female characters, all of whom are constricted in their home, work and value system.
During the 1960’s in Quebec, most women were housewives (Dickinson and Young, 320). Likewise, in Les Belles Soeurs most of the women are working class housewives, a role which restricts them. The plot surrounds their daily …show more content…
The work they are employed in is limited and they are stigmatised. Pierrette, a nightclub dancer, is shunned for her employment by the old and conservative members of her family. Germaine uses Pierrette's occupation as a warning to her daughter Linda, saying, “You keep hanging around there, you’re gonna end up like your Aunt Pierrette … In a whore house” (Tremblay, 47). As well, when it is discovered that Angeline is going to the nightclub, her actions are seen as “a mortal sin” (Tremblay, 76) and she is asked by her best friend “What will people say when they see you going there?” (Tremblay, 77). This indicates the women are deeply religious and conservative in their values of appearances. Hence, they don’t want to associate with Pierrette and will shame anyone for joining her. To sum up, the limited work available to women in the 1960’s damages the relationships those women have with their families. The limited options women have gives them either the life of a worker or a housewife, but in both cases, they are constrained by the values of
During the 1960’s in Quebec, most women were housewives (Dickinson and Young, 320). Likewise, in Les Belles Soeurs most of the women are working class housewives, a role which restricts them. The plot surrounds their daily …show more content…
The work they are employed in is limited and they are stigmatised. Pierrette, a nightclub dancer, is shunned for her employment by the old and conservative members of her family. Germaine uses Pierrette's occupation as a warning to her daughter Linda, saying, “You keep hanging around there, you’re gonna end up like your Aunt Pierrette … In a whore house” (Tremblay, 47). As well, when it is discovered that Angeline is going to the nightclub, her actions are seen as “a mortal sin” (Tremblay, 76) and she is asked by her best friend “What will people say when they see you going there?” (Tremblay, 77). This indicates the women are deeply religious and conservative in their values of appearances. Hence, they don’t want to associate with Pierrette and will shame anyone for joining her. To sum up, the limited work available to women in the 1960’s damages the relationships those women have with their families. The limited options women have gives them either the life of a worker or a housewife, but in both cases, they are constrained by the values of