Survival and vulnerability are two themes which appear totally independent of one another, yet both are universal human experiences which often coexist and influence an individual’s behaviour. It is human instinct to survive in dangerous situations, to protect oneself from potential harm. It is also human instinct to hide one’s vulnerability from others out of fear of those vulnerabilities being used against them. In Russell Banks’s short story “Lobster Night” he explores the relationship between gender politics, survival, and vulnerability when Stacy and Noonan reveal personal stories of weakness and survival to each other. Despite this newfound connection built between the two characters when both Stacy and Noonan expose their vulnerability,
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There is no agency for a woman, especially when in this man’s presence. Indeed, Stacy is even made to blame herself for the later change in their relationship. Banks now shames Stacy, claiming that “she had thought it was safe for her to flirt with him” (26) and if Noonan is taking the opportunity to get her into bed, it is her fault for coming on to him. Their relationship is different now, but Noonan is relinquished from all blame. “It wasn’t what he had done or not done or even anything he said. It was what she had said” (26)—Stacy made herself vulnerable when she revealed that she had survived being struck by lightning because she is now no ordinary woman. She awakens the primal sexual urge in Noonan and as ‘alpha male’ he has to possess this remarkable woman. However, when Stacy humiliates Noonan by saying that she will not “make it” (28) with him, he treats her cruelly—throwing a lobster in her face and yelling at her. This violent outburst is Noonan’s way to put Stacy back in her place and maintain his dignity, authority, and the power dynamics Banks attempts to maintain. Stacy reveals her story to bond with Noonan, believing that …show more content…
Over-emphasizing Noonan’s masculinity successfully undermines Stacy’s strength and power as a woman. As Noonan’s employee she is subjected to his objectification and harassment and when she either opens herself up to Noonan or challenges his behaviour he takes advantage of her vulnerability and turns violent. “Lobster Night” ends with Stacy shooting and killing Noonan, but this is not Banks giving Stacy the last word nor does it shift the power to her. She silences the voice of her male oppressor but Noonan does not die unfulfilled. Stacy is permitted to kill him only after he kills the bear. Again, she submits to the male authority’s desire, Noonan is hero and victim and Stacy returns to her marginalized role as “a babe” (35) whom everyone wants to get a piece of—the objectified, sexualized woman, easily trapped and controlled by male
There is no agency for a woman, especially when in this man’s presence. Indeed, Stacy is even made to blame herself for the later change in their relationship. Banks now shames Stacy, claiming that “she had thought it was safe for her to flirt with him” (26) and if Noonan is taking the opportunity to get her into bed, it is her fault for coming on to him. Their relationship is different now, but Noonan is relinquished from all blame. “It wasn’t what he had done or not done or even anything he said. It was what she had said” (26)—Stacy made herself vulnerable when she revealed that she had survived being struck by lightning because she is now no ordinary woman. She awakens the primal sexual urge in Noonan and as ‘alpha male’ he has to possess this remarkable woman. However, when Stacy humiliates Noonan by saying that she will not “make it” (28) with him, he treats her cruelly—throwing a lobster in her face and yelling at her. This violent outburst is Noonan’s way to put Stacy back in her place and maintain his dignity, authority, and the power dynamics Banks attempts to maintain. Stacy reveals her story to bond with Noonan, believing that …show more content…
Over-emphasizing Noonan’s masculinity successfully undermines Stacy’s strength and power as a woman. As Noonan’s employee she is subjected to his objectification and harassment and when she either opens herself up to Noonan or challenges his behaviour he takes advantage of her vulnerability and turns violent. “Lobster Night” ends with Stacy shooting and killing Noonan, but this is not Banks giving Stacy the last word nor does it shift the power to her. She silences the voice of her male oppressor but Noonan does not die unfulfilled. Stacy is permitted to kill him only after he kills the bear. Again, she submits to the male authority’s desire, Noonan is hero and victim and Stacy returns to her marginalized role as “a babe” (35) whom everyone wants to get a piece of—the objectified, sexualized woman, easily trapped and controlled by male