Power and Privilege Displayed in A Woman on a Roof Essay -- Doris Less

Power and prefer Displayed in A Woman on a Roof In Doris Lessings A Woman on a Roof, threesome workmen move differently towards a woman sunbathing on a roof. The men atomic number 18 Harry, who is in his mid-40s, Stanley, who is newly married, and gobbler, who is 17. They ar engaged in a merry banter when they spot a woman about fifty yards from where they are standing. Shes on her back, face down on a browned blanket. Stanley is first to comment, Shes stark naked. Harry agrees, Looks like it, while Tom cranes his neck so he can see more and replies, She thinks no one can see. Stanley whistles, but the woman does not look up. She sits, ingest a cigarette (856). This seems to be one of Lessings most critically neglected stories. In fact, there are only a some written criticisms about it, and most of these focus on the different reactions of the three workmen. However, the woman, who is not named in the story, is also a very intriguing and arouse character. While many re aders see her as an innocent the sunbather who only wants to be left alone there is evidence to show that she uses her sexuality by dint of communicative communication to show power and privilege. Sociological perspectives suggest that nonverbal communication is of ruinicular importance to women because their sociableization to docility and passivity makes them likely targets for social control. Sexuality (masculinity or femininity) is not biologically determined but is part of social learning. In Womanspeak and Manspeak, Nancy Henley, Mykol Hamilton, and Barrie Thorne have argued that while womens general physical demeanor must be restrained and restricted, and that their femininity is gauged by how light (personal) space they take up. In contra... ...Henslin, James. On Becoming Male. Down to res publica Sociology. Ed. James Henslin. saucy York The Free Press, 1991. 126-148. Lessing, Doris. A Woman on a Roof. The Harper Anthology of Fiction. Ed. Sylvan Barnet. New York Harper Collins, 1991. 856-862. Works Consulted Allen, Orphia Jane. Structure and radical in Doris Lessings A Man and Two Women. Short allegory Criticism. Ed. Thomas Votteler.NY Gale Research Inc., 1986. 199. Fitzgerald, Edward. Retreat From Home. Short drool Criticism. Ed. Thomas Votteler. New York Gale Research Inc., 1986. 186. Hardin, Nancy. Doris Lessing and the Sufi Way. Short Story Criticism. Ed. Carolyn Riley. New York Gale Research Inc., 1976. 123. Zak, Michele. The pasturage Is Singing A Little Novel about the Emotions. Short Story Criticism. Ed. Thomas Votteler. New York Gale Research Inc., 1986. 206.