A Separation
Asghar Farhadi's A Separation provides commentary on the current political and social situation surrounding Iran through the exploration of a middle-class couple's divorce and the conflicts that proceed as a result. There are many separations within the film, notably a separation of men and women. The dominance of men is presented within the first scene between Simin and Hader. Simin's request for a divorce and guardianship over her daughter is met with resistance, as Nader is the husband meaning he has the complete authority over any decision Simin makes. Simin wants to leave Iran with Termeh, her daughter, since she does not want her to "grow up in these circumstances," in that the current Iranian society positions women in low positions with limited autonomy over themselves. The law heavily resides in the hands of men, a recurring notion throughout the film. The conflict that ensues between Hadar and …show more content…
Isma speaking for Hajila gives her authority and suppresses Hajila’s voice, acting similarly to a colonial force. The expected subaltern becomes an oppressor; Isma is able to be free and has an agency that Hajila cannot have, therefore in order for one woman to be free the other has to be oppressed. Isma is able to experience love and romance, while Hajila can only experience fear and abuse. By using “I” (Isma) and “you” (Hajila), Assia Djebar presents two drastically different women, but also Djebar relates herself to Isma and distances herself from Hajila. Isma is a liberated, modern woman (similar to Assia Djebar) while Hajila is oppressed, traditional woman. Additionally, sexual liberation and male attraction are linked with women’s freedom, as Isma parades herself around town, indulging in the male gaze. However, this womanly power is a farce, as their freedom relies on male satisfaction and perceptions of
Asghar Farhadi's A Separation provides commentary on the current political and social situation surrounding Iran through the exploration of a middle-class couple's divorce and the conflicts that proceed as a result. There are many separations within the film, notably a separation of men and women. The dominance of men is presented within the first scene between Simin and Hader. Simin's request for a divorce and guardianship over her daughter is met with resistance, as Nader is the husband meaning he has the complete authority over any decision Simin makes. Simin wants to leave Iran with Termeh, her daughter, since she does not want her to "grow up in these circumstances," in that the current Iranian society positions women in low positions with limited autonomy over themselves. The law heavily resides in the hands of men, a recurring notion throughout the film. The conflict that ensues between Hadar and …show more content…
Isma speaking for Hajila gives her authority and suppresses Hajila’s voice, acting similarly to a colonial force. The expected subaltern becomes an oppressor; Isma is able to be free and has an agency that Hajila cannot have, therefore in order for one woman to be free the other has to be oppressed. Isma is able to experience love and romance, while Hajila can only experience fear and abuse. By using “I” (Isma) and “you” (Hajila), Assia Djebar presents two drastically different women, but also Djebar relates herself to Isma and distances herself from Hajila. Isma is a liberated, modern woman (similar to Assia Djebar) while Hajila is oppressed, traditional woman. Additionally, sexual liberation and male attraction are linked with women’s freedom, as Isma parades herself around town, indulging in the male gaze. However, this womanly power is a farce, as their freedom relies on male satisfaction and perceptions of