FAY WELDON, Down Among the Women

Tasks:

1.Discuss the impact that the title as refrain has upon the reader.
The meaning of the title represents the cruel truth about a woman's life. It can also
be a marketing strategy for men who want to read the nove;

2. Mention the ideas overtly expressed and the ones barely suggested .
Overtly expressed ideas are imprisonment, condemnation and suggested ideas:
gender cannot be chosen at birth, you are born with it, the park –a place for women.

3. Refer to the oblique criticism addressed to patriarchal society.

- the important role of women in a society is to give birth to a child
- the park:women are closer to nature than men
- . the title shows gender inequality

4. Read the text again with a view to understanding the role of the
immasculation of discourse.
The role of the immasculation of discourse is defined by Wanda curses,who says
things by name.

5.Which are the female stereotypes brought to attention and how is each
perceived?
A woman's beauty is a plus when it comes to opportunities, as is youth: “ There’s
nothing more glorious than to be a young girl, and there’s nothing worse than to have
been one.” Another important thing is to start a family and have children.

6.Are men associated with money? If so, why?

In our culture money equals success.Men are associated with money because in
patriarchal society, they support their families.They also can be considered a symbol
of power and authority in families.They bring money into the house, and the women
take care of the rest, they make a team
7. What is the importance of time in the presentation of womanhood?
Time leaves its mark on a woman.Youth comes with benefits because it is the only
time you can feel free to live your life this happens in a woman's life.When marriage
comes, it comes with many responsibilities.Young women are more successful in a
man's life. ‘’There is nothing more glorious than to be a young girl, and there is
nothing worse than to have been one. ‘’

8. How is the text narrated and by whom?

Most of the events are narrated by Joselin, but each character has a point of view

9.What purpose do the breaks in the text serve?

In this text there are three breaks:the first one makes the transation from the 3rd
person to 1st person and change the focaliser;the second break –it changes from the
1st person to the 3rd person and the last one it changes in time,from the present to
the past.But in my opinion,these breaks may refer to a man’s authority and power
over a woman.

10. Why do you think the urban setting was chosen?

I believe that the urban setting was chosen to highlight the patriarchal structure
and emphasize the similarity between the patriarchal and the urban system from a
structural point of view.The urban world offers more opportunities when it comes to
making money, meeting new people, having fun or meeting temptations every day.