This essay will critically analyse the role of feminism in the extract from Sarah Waters’ “Affinity”. I will examine how women in this extract are defined by their relationship with men. This lens will also focus on the power that men holdover women in this extract. I will analyse how this power affects and controls the women we meet. At first glance it is easy to tell that there is some kind of upset in the first paragraph in this extract. It doesn’t take long to realise that it’s the fault of a man. “She burst out weeping, saying she had not slept a single night, and it was all because of Peter Quick.” (Waters, 260). It’s clear that this man has caused Miss Isherwood pain in some way. Without even meeting Peter, he already seems to have
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These women are nothing without Peter. He betters them. He helps Miss Isherwood harvest her ‘powers’. “O, your spirit is still not hot enough! It must grow so hot you will feel it melting, you will feel mine come and take its place.” (Waters, 262). Miss Isherwood is so drawn to Peter that her reward for demonstrating the full extent of her powers is to allow Peters spirit to take over her body and her spirit. Peter gives off the idea that Miss Isherwood will be better if he is part of her and she readily accepts him. Miss Isherwood is not the only one who is bound to Peter, Miss Dawes is also under his spell. I feel that Miss Dawes has already received Peters spirit. After all Miss Isherwood comes to her looking for help. This gives the impression that Miss Dawes has already experienced what Miss Isherwood is going through. Miss Dawes cannot decide for herself anymore, Peter decides for her! “my eyes being still shut tight, because Peter had not said I might open them”. (Waters, 262). Miss Dawes waits Peters commands before she acts. She even allows Peter to control her through Miss Isherwood. She carries out each of Miss Isherwood’s ridiculous demands because it’s really Peter who is telling her what to do! “Tell her to say it. She said ‘say it Miss Dawes.” (Waters 261). Peter makes demand through Miss Isherwood. “Do you see? My medium must do as she is bid.” (Waters, 261). More than anyone Miss Dawes is completely bound to
These women are nothing without Peter. He betters them. He helps Miss Isherwood harvest her ‘powers’. “O, your spirit is still not hot enough! It must grow so hot you will feel it melting, you will feel mine come and take its place.” (Waters, 262). Miss Isherwood is so drawn to Peter that her reward for demonstrating the full extent of her powers is to allow Peters spirit to take over her body and her spirit. Peter gives off the idea that Miss Isherwood will be better if he is part of her and she readily accepts him. Miss Isherwood is not the only one who is bound to Peter, Miss Dawes is also under his spell. I feel that Miss Dawes has already received Peters spirit. After all Miss Isherwood comes to her looking for help. This gives the impression that Miss Dawes has already experienced what Miss Isherwood is going through. Miss Dawes cannot decide for herself anymore, Peter decides for her! “my eyes being still shut tight, because Peter had not said I might open them”. (Waters, 262). Miss Dawes waits Peters commands before she acts. She even allows Peter to control her through Miss Isherwood. She carries out each of Miss Isherwood’s ridiculous demands because it’s really Peter who is telling her what to do! “Tell her to say it. She said ‘say it Miss Dawes.” (Waters 261). Peter makes demand through Miss Isherwood. “Do you see? My medium must do as she is bid.” (Waters, 261). More than anyone Miss Dawes is completely bound to