The portrayal of Patriarchy in “Jane” and Women Empowerment

The portrayal of Patriarchy in “Jane” and Women Empowerment

Patriarchy occurs where there are male-dominated structures of power, either organized or in individual relationships. In such systems, men wield more power than women, as well as enjoy some privileges that women lack. Feminism theories focus on fighting for equal rights between men and women. Many works of literature have explored these concepts. “Jane” is a short story by Mary Roberts Rinehart that explores the theme of love in a patriarchal society. Rinehart shows how Patriarchal systems can hinder women’s individuality (Mary 3). However, the story also reveals that women can overcome such limitations. Through the study of “Jane,” it is evident the story supports the patriarchal dogma by depicting the protagonist in the traditional sense of being weaker, allowing men to view women as objects, and requiring women to take on traditional roles. However, in the end, the story manages to show the strength of a woman in the face of adversity, something that can be applauded by feminists.

Rinehart supports the patriarchal ideology by portraying Jane as weak and fragile. Jane is depicted as a young, spoilt, beautiful, and delicate woman. She does not know much about work and expects to be served because her father is wealthy (3). Since her father is one of the directors of the hospital where she resides, Jane, takes no responsibilities (4). She assumes the role of a traditional woman who keeps herself pretty and waits upon a male authority to take care of her basic needs. Her father takes on the authority role, and she uses the privileges of his power to boss people around the hospital. Rinehart also reveals Jane as a woman who cannot make significant decisions. For example, when she learns the hospital superintendent was dismissed, leaving with him almost all the staff and resources for the hospital, she does not have the power to do anything. She exclaims, “Well!” said Jane. “Are you going to stand for it” (4)? Jane leaves it to the new hospital superintendent, the red-haired man, to make decisions on what they should do. This portrayal of Jane makes her appear subordinate to men, such as her father and the superintendent. She does not have an independent mind to make major decisions that affect the hospital..

The story also perpetuates the patriarchal thought by allowing men in the story to view women as objects of beauty. Reinhart characterizes Jane as a beautiful woman that the new superintendent seems mesmerized. She writes, “The red-haired person sat on the radiator and eyed Jane. He looked slightly stunned, as if the presence of beauty in a Billie Burke chignon and little else except a kimono was almost too much for him” (4). Jane’s beauty often comes up when the superintendent is interacting with her. He even tells her that another cannibalistic patient may not restrain himself if he sees her in her pretty pink kimono (4). The implication is that Jane seems like an object of beauty that ought to be admired and could be used to satisfy men’s desires. In this way, women are depicted as objects of beauty for men’s amusement.

The account also shows that women are required to take on traditional roles reserved for them. Without explicitly disclosing it, the red-haired man expects Jane to cook her own meals. When Jane persistently rings the bell for breakfast, he asks her if she knows how to cook (3). He does not fix her breakfast. Jane goes onto the pantry, and the red-haired man insinuates she should fix breakfast for another patient (4). In the same way, Higgins informs Jane that a patient will not allow him to feed him. The patient wants a nurse, when nurses in the traditional sense are mostly women (5). Jane ends up making the meal and spoon-feeding the patient. These men indicate that women should assume traditional roles such as cooking and caregiving.

Nevertheless, towards the end, Rinehart manages to show the transformation of Jane into a powerful woman that can be lauded by feminists. When the electricity is cut, and there is no hope, Jane decides to leave the hospital in darkness and try to reach her father for help (6). The most remarkable thing is that Jane does this not for herself, but for Mary O’Shaughnessy, who learns is sick and to assist the red-haired man. While trying to find her way in the darkness, her nose is severely injured, but she does not give up (6). She manages to reach her house and calls her father for help, and he brings the resources in time. Jane’s actions help Mary O’Shaughnessy give birth successfully. A feminist critic would view Jane’s actions as powerful because she assumes a role that would traditionally be considered masculine. Despite her fear of darkness, she struggles in the dark to reach for help.

Conclusion

“Jane” is an intriguing story that addresses gender roles. The majority of the story supports the patriarchal view by where women appear delicate and weaker than men. Jane is presented as a rich spoilt young woman who keeps herself looking pretty and waits to be served. She achieves this because her father is wealthy and can take care of her needs. Rinehart also portrays her as an object of beauty in the way the red-haired man is mesmerized by her beauty. However, in the end, she comes out as a strong woman who becomes the savior of the hospital in the face of adversity.

Work Cited

Mary, Rinehart. “Jane.” The Saturday Evening post, 1912. Lecture Notes.