Mrs. Warren27s profession-literature thesis(沃伦夫人的职业-文学名著精读期末论文).doc

英语文学名著精读 浙大期末论文Birth of New WomanAbstract:The main purpose of this paper is to show the characteristics of new woman on the protagonist-Vivie. Victorian women were expected to maintain a poised and dignified manner, and to be obedient to their husbands requests, Vivie is a fine example of gender reformation, she defies the Victorian expectations of an obedient woman. With a firm handshake ,mathematic degree, cigarette-smoking, whisky-drinking habits, Vivie is a direct challenge to the tradition limitations on womens sphere. Though there are caprice and compromises in the middle, at last, Vivie breaks up with a romantic lifestyle, breaks up with her suitors and breaks up with her mother, absorbed in her work and absorbed in a pragmatic, self sufficient new life.Key words: prostitution, profession, marriage, romance, new womanVictorian era（20 June 183722 January 1901）has demographic imbalance in favour of women (United Kingdom Census 1851 reveals 4% more women than men). Victorian women did not have suffrage rights, the right to sue, or the right to own property. At the same time, women participated in the paid workforce in increasing numbers following theIndustrial Revolution. These conditions lead to womans inferiority to men and more seriously, the problem of prostitution began to shift from a moral/religious cause to asocio-economicone. The years between 1848 and 1870 saw a veritable explosion in the number of institutions working on reforming prostitutes and saving these fallen women. Meanwhile, the theme of prostitution and the fallen woman (any woman who has hadsexual intercourseout ofmarriage) became a staple feature of Victorian literature. Unlike other plays about fallen women, Shaw shifts the burden of guilt from individualism to the society, which is very notable when Vivie gives up her original claim that People are always blaming circumstances for what they are. I dont believe in circumstances. and when Mrs.Warren responds without shame and repentance but with vigorous self-justification to Vivies inquiry of her profession. Shaw critiques the economical system which produces Mrs. Warren, attacking the problematic double standard of male privilege and the deeply entrenched objectification of womenAs Shaw said himself that the purpose of writing the play is:to draw attention to the truth that prostitution is caused, not by female depravity and male licentiousness, but simply by underpaying, undervaluing, and overworking women so shamefully that the poorest of them are forced to resort to prostitution to keep body and soul together.Women who falls into prostitution may not get descent life eventually, instead, they may come across a grim destiny. It must not be supposed that if some, perhaps a majority of them, eventually become comparatively respectable, and merge into the ocean of propriety, there are not a vast number whose lives afford matter for the most touching tragedies, whose melancholy existence is one continual struggle for the actual necessaries of life, the occasional absence of which entails upon them a condition of intermittent starvation.4Disappointed about the inequality women are suffering, Shaw creates a new woman-Vivie, giving her a mother who climbs out of prostitution by owning her business, attributing her with new female characteristics:highly educated, overwhelmingly self-confident, unconventional, asexual and permanently unromantic. With all these characteristics, Vivie is never a commodity to be sold, on the contrary, she enjoys superiority through the whole play: She behaves like a man in dumping her lover-Frank without any hesitation and sympathy; she adamantly rejects Crofts adoration regardless of how much fortune he can offer her; she says goodbye to Mrs. Warren and says goodbye to her mothers way of life. Actually, economic independence contributes substantially to Vivies superiority in the play, she does not need to cater to mens desire for life necessaries or jewelry, either does she need to ask her mother to support her. Bernard Shaw eagerly expresses his expectations of amelioration of womens condition, at the same time, he keeps a sober mind that the birth of new women roots in the social-economic dimensions, only when women get decent professions can they have initiative and voice in marriage and other aspects of life.In the following part, I will discuss Shaws ideal image of new woman in Vivies connections with the world: her relation with her work, her relation with her suitors and her relation with her mother. In these relations, Vivie challenges the tradition judgment with her intelligence and determination. Vivie and her Work As a graduate from Cambridge, Vivie is hardworking. The play begins with Vivies reading and making notes, A big canvas umbrella, stuck in the ground, keeps the sun off the hammock, in which a young lady is reading and making notes, her head towards the cottage and her feet towards the gate. In front of the hammock, and within reach of her hand, is a common kitchen chair, with a pile of serious-looking books and a supply of writing paper on it”. It is book instead of cosmetic that appears in a young, charming lady surrounding. Although the cottage and the hammock are the indicators of a splendid life, Vivie gets absorbed in her work instead staying in front the dresser. Mrs. Warrens old friend Mr. Praed is a well-bred gentleman and a fine representative of conventional social thought. His surprise at Vivies ignorance of romance and affection of lengthy work can well reflect the audiences surprise. Two conversations between Vivie and Praed are extracted from the play to show Vivies diligence in working and unromantic features. When Vivie first meet Praed and talks about tripos and calculation: “VIVIE.Culture! My dear Mr Praed: do you know what the mathematical tripos means? It means grind, grind, grind for six to eight hours a day at mathematics, and nothing but mathematics.Im supposed to know something about science; but I know nothing except the mathematics it involves. I can make calculations for engineers, electricians, insurance companies, and so on; but I know next to nothing about engineering or electricity or insurance. I dont even know arithmetic well. Outside mathematics, lawn-tennis, eating, sleeping, cycling, and walking, Im a more ignorant barbarian than any woman could possibly be who hadnt gone in for the tripos.PRAED revolted What a monstrous, wicked, rascally system! I knew it! I felt at once that it meant destroying all that makes womanhood beautiful!VIVIE. I dont object to it on that score in the least. I shall turn it to very good account, I assure you.PRAED. Pooh! In what way?VIVIE. I shall set up chambers in the City, and work at actuarial calculations and conveyancing. Under cover of that I shall do some law, with one eye on the Stock Exchange all the time. Ive come down here by myself to read law: not for a holiday, as my mother imagines. I hate holidays.PRAED. You make my blood run cold. Are you to have no romance, no beauty in your life?VIVIE. I dont care for either, I assure you.PRAED. You cant mean that.VIVIE. Oh yes I do. I like working and getting paid for it. When Im tired of working, I like a comfortable chair, a cigar, a little whisky, and a novel with a good detective story in it.”Though Vivies work is full of tiring mathematics and calculations, she enjoys getting paid for it, she even gets a plan to set up her own business in the City. She shows little desire for holidays, instead she prefers a comfortable chair, a cigar, a little whisky, and a novel with a good detective story in it, which are conventionally regarded as male excusive. Praed is startled by Vivies attitude towards holiday and work, it is very remarkable in his reaction: ”You make my blood run cold. Are you to have no romance, no beauty in your life? ”. Vivies statement overturned his previous expectation of a young woman. The second conversation happens in Vivies office, this time Vivie rejects Mr. Praed invitation for travelling in Italy indifferently:PRAED. How do you do, Miss Warren? She presses his hand cordially, though a certain sentimentality in his high spirits jars upon her. I start in an hour from Holborn Viaduct. I wish I could persuade you to try Italy.VIVIE. What for?PRAED. Why, to saturate yourself with beauty and romance, of course.Vivie, with a shudder, turns her chair to the table, as if the work waiting for her there were a support to her. Praed sits opposite to her. Frank places a chair near Vivie, and drops lazily and carelessly into it, talking at her over his shoulder. VIVIE. Mr Praed: once for all, there is no beauty and no romance in life for me. Life is what it is; and I am prepared to take it as it is.Though Mr. Praed spares no efforts in persuading Vivie to have a glance at the beautiful scenery in Italy, Vivie shows no interests, to her, life is plain and places are the same. To Vivie, work is prior to recreational activities whatever travel or concert, saturating in work gives her more satisfaction than anything else in the world. Vivie independent character represents new womens desire to support themselves, they are not easily ”tempted ” by romance and are proud of self possession. Vivie and her Suitors Vivie is a beautiful, attractive young lady graduated from university, being available for suitors. Unfortunately, Vivie has contempt over her suitors, let us see her comment on Frank and Croft in a conversation with her mother:MRS WARREN. Did you ever in your life hear anyone rattle on so? Isnt he a tease? She sits at the table. Now that I think of it, dearie, dont you go encouraging him. Im sure hes a regular good-for-nothing.VIVIE. rising to fetch more books Im afraid so. Poor Frank! I shall have to get rid of him; but I shall feel sorry for him, though hes not worth it. That man Crofts does not seem to me to be good for much either: is he?It seems that she is very disappointed with Frank. Though she has apathy, Vivie gets involved in romance with the pleasant, pretty, smartly dressed Frank for a little while, these lines are the only loving scene Bernard Shaw describes in his play:FRANK babyishly, lulling her and making love to her with his voice Mustnt go live with her. Little family group of mother and daughter wouldnt be a success. Spoil o u r little group.VIVIE falling under the spell What little group?FRANK. The babes in the wood: Vivie and little Frank. He nestles against her like a weary child. Lets go and get covered up with leaves.VIVIE rhythmically, rocking him like a nurse Fast asleep, hand in hand, under the trees.FRANK. The wise little girl with her silly little boy.VIVIE. The deal little boy with his dowdy little girl.FRANK. Ever so peaceful, and relieved from the imbecility of the little boys father and the questionableness of the little girlsVIVIE smothering the word against her breast Sh-sh-sh-sh! little girl wants to forget all about her mother. They are silent for some moments, rocking one another. Ironically, when Vivie wakes up with a shock from the romance, she never returns to it. In the end of the play, she is barely moved by Frank visit and request, ruthless to dump Frank, this can be reflected on her disposals of Franks note left for her: ”She tears the note up and tosses the pieces into the wastepaper basket without a second thought. ”It is really a male Frank regards a female Vivie as his meat ticket which contradicts peoples traditional view. Vivie refuses Crofts ” upper class” life without little room for discussion, she is determined that she will never descend herself to the temptation of money and position, here is Vivies immediate refusal to Sir Crofts: CROFTS. Oh well, come, Miss Vivie: you neednt pretend you dont see what Im driving at. I want to settle down with a Lady Crofts. I suppose you think me very blunt, eh?VIVIE. Not at all: I am very much obliged to you for being so definite and business-like. I quite appreciate the offer: the money, the position, Lady Crofts, and so on. But I think I will say no, if you dont mind, Id rather not. CROFTS Im in no hurry. It was only just to let you know in case young Gardner should try to trap you. Leave the question open.VIVIE sharply My no is final. I wont go back from it. Frank and Croft are representatives of man who may be options for traditional women, one is youthful and good-looking, one has social position and money. However, they fail in capturing Vivies heart. Intelligent Vivie has got her own judgment, she will not be tempted by visual eye enjoyment and superficial material luxury. Vivie and her MotherMrs. Warren gives Vivie comfortable life and first class education which leads to her distinguished academic achievement as a Cambridge graduate, but lifetime of boarding schools, lightning-fast visits and long-distance communication alienate Vivie from her mother. Mrs. Warren seems to be mysterious to Vivie as she talks to Mr. Praed:VIVIE.Dont suppose anything, Mr Praed. I hardly know my mother. Since I was a child I have lived in England, at school or at college, or with people paid to take charge of me. I have been boarded out all my life. My mother has lived in Brussels or Vienna and never let me go to her. I only see her when she visits England for a few days. I dont complain: its been very pleasant; for people have been very good to me; and there has always been plenty of money to make things smooth. But dont imagine I know anything about my mother. I know far less than you do.However,The dichotomy of innocent woman and fallen woman is omitted in the play, not only do mother and daughter embrace without precaution of gloves and a veil, there is a strong family resemblance between them.Vivie and her mother are both successful at their ownbusiness. The two women reach temporal reconciliation after their sincere conversation at night, Vivie understands her mothers dilemma, and gives up her stand that people can always determine their destiny. Mrs. Warren talks about her sisters respectable profession selection and their tragic endings:MRS WARREN.Well, what did they get by their respectability? Ill tell you. One of them worked in a whitelead factory twelve hours a day for nine shillings a week until she died of lead poisoning; The other was always held up to us as a model because she married a Government laborer in the Deptford victualling yard, and kept his room and the three children neat and tidy on eighteen shillings a weekuntil he took to drink.When asked about her stepping into prostitution by her daughter, Mrs. Warren gives a reasonable self-justification:VIVIE. intensely interested by this time No; but why did you choose that business? Saving money and good management will succeed in any business.MRS WARREN. Yes, saving money. But where can a woman get the money to save in any other business? Could y o u save out of four shillings a week and keep yourself dressed as well? Not you. Of course, if youre a plain woman and cant earn anything more; or if you have a turn for music, or the stage, or newspaper-writing: thats different. But neither Liz nor I had any turn for such things at all: all we had was our appearance and our turn for pleasing men. Do you think we were such fools as to let other people trade in our good looks by employing us as shopgirls, or barmaids, or waitresses, when we could trade in them ourselves and get all the profits instead of starvation wages? Not likely. We can see clearly that Mrs. Warren has no option because she has no professional skills in spite of pleasing men, so prostitution has become the only logical decision for a young, attractive, penniless woman alone in the world. Vivie gets to know the hard trudge her mother takes in resisting poverty and raising her up. At the ending of the conversation, Vivie cannot control the flow of her feelings by saying,My dear mother: you are a wonderful woman: you are stronger than all England.She completely forgives her mother and they are seen walking affectionately together the next morning.But this good time does not last long. Vivie finds that her mother is still running the business.She learns to her horror that what was a matter of necessity is now a matter of profit; her mother fortune derives from running a chain of International brothels. Vivie is extremely shameful to the fact when she disclose the secrets to Frank even wants to hide herself:VIVIE. You shall see. She writes. Paid up capital: not less than forty thousand pounds standing in the name of Sir George Crofts, Baronet, the chief shareholder. Premises at Brussels, Ostend, Vienna, and Budapest. Managing director: Mrs Warren; and now dont let us forget h e r qualifications: the two words. She writes the words and pushes the paper to them. There! Oh no: dont read it: dont! She snatches it back and tears it to pieces; then seizes her head in her hands and hides her face on the table.Despite Mrs. Warrens promise of keeping Crofts away and reiteration of her reluctance on the business, Vivie calmly turns away. She breaks up with her mother, declaring the difference between her work and her mothers, that is the challenge of old social order:MRS WARREN. Oh, its all very easy for Liz: she likes good society, and has the air of being a lady. Imagine me in a cathedral town! Why, the very rooks in the trees would find me out even if I could stand the dulness of it. I must have work and excitement, or I should go melancholy mad. And what else is there for me to do? The life suits me: Im fit for it and not for anything else. If I didnt do it somebo