Summary Of Feminism In An Untamed State

Feminism isn’t just equality amongst men and women; it can be used to illustrate social, economic, cultural, even political movements. In the novel An Untamed State, men see women as powerless in a country like Haiti where men take advantage of women. The role of feminism is switched when the women display this nature of taking advantage of men emotionally. An Untamed State show that women hold both emotional and social power which is more important than physical dominance that a man can have. Physical actions stem from feeling and emotional reactions, so if women possess that, then they are in complete control.
As relationships unfold, dominant forces begin to become more apparent. In the “before” of this book, Haiti is Mirielle’s home and …show more content…
Both of these relationships are strongly controlled by Mirielle. Physical assertion is one thing, but Mirielle holds all emotional power amongst the Commander and TiPierre, which overrules the physical control they have. The Commander takes on the role that fits his name. He is the master in the way he physically treats Mirielle. He is extremely violent, and gives no mercy when he takes advantage of Mirielle sexually. The Commander takes this approach because he is terrified of true feelings about how much he cares about Mirielle so; he uses violence to express those feeling of deep compassion of Mirielle’s kidnapping. Mirielle is tricked at a certain point in the novel, where the Commander’s sister lets her go. Mirielle doesn’t go far until she is found by the Commander. She is in a small cafe, sitting at a table with the Commander, when she realizes that the Commander is just a man, a small and petty man (137). He reaches across the table takes Mirielle’s wrists and squeezes hard telling her that she is complicit because she does nothing to solve the problem of poverty in Haiti, since she is considered rich. Mirielle responds with, “You are complicit too. Don’t think for one second you aren’t.” (137) The Commander then releases his grip with a strange expression on his face, shrugged …show more content…
He thinks that he is treating Mirielle with kindness and respect; therefore, she should feel safe with him and grow an attachment to him. He does things for her such as bring her food, water and allows her to bathe and wash her clothes. Mirielle has different thoughts though which is, “with the Commander I surrendered defiantly but with TiPierre I fought viciously, like the caged animal I was” (147). TiPierre tries to be gentle, as if a lover would yet she fights him off with everything she has inside. Whenever, he takes advantage of her, he displays some sort of tame nature, thinking that what he is doing is okay just because he is being friendly. When she finally retaliates against the physical dominance TiPierre shows, he states “I was good to you” (195). He thinks that just because he is “good” to her means that he deserves more than if he isn’t good to her. Countless occurrences occur where opens up to Mirielle about his personal life with his family and childhood, and usually when someone talks about personal things related to them; it can spark a possibility of a deeper emotional connection. Mirielle always listens and never really tells him things about herself, because she knows that if she does then it will allow him to become closer to her in a personal way. He becomes pathetic, trying so desperately to become a part of her life, that he