On Chisel Beach Gender Roles Essay

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The Roles on Sex and Gender Gender-role stereotyping is not often talked about but impacts everyone’s life. Gender-Roles is the generalization about the differences in male and female behaviors and interests. For example, sex hormones are known to be contributors to the more violent nature of males and the temperamental and fearful nature in female. Gender-roles have always played a huge part in our society. “On Chisel Beach” by Ian McEwan is a great novel that represents gender-roles. This novel was released in 2008, but it is based on the year 1962. In 1962 was the year a huge shift in sexual relations and social relations. In most cases in 1962 young couples were married without knowing much of anything about sex. This novel comprises at …show more content…
Edward is insecure because “his fear of failure was great” (McEwan 3). There were certain expectations of Edward that were expected “when their new maturity would be tested” (McEwan 2). He must perform like an invader. Florence was expected to endure. She should be obedient to her husband. However, she describes sexual intercourse as being “penetrated” and “invaded” (McEwan 3). She struggles with the thought of being penetrated. She assumes an untypical role. She takes the leading role instead of Edward in an attempt to find her grip. This causes a huge conflict between the both. Her actions create shame, guilt, and more anxieties. When she took control, she created the reversal of the presupposed roles in direct conflict of social normality. Edward feels as if he fails to fulfill his role and performance. Edward becomes angered at Florence. He thinks “she is dishonest.” He calls their attempt at sexual intercourse as “bloody unpleasant” because Florence had taken control (McEwan 144). As Florence walks away from Edward he stands rigid with anger. He is too proud to call out to her. “The sound of his voice would have been a deliverance, and she would have turned back” (McEwan 166). The decision to Edward made to stand there in silence and not prove his love to her was the end of their

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