Theme: Gender Stereotyping Essay

Based on the novel, The Curse by Lee Su Ann, I have acquired an interesting theme from the many others that have been portrayed in the story. The theme is grammatical gender stereotyping, in which, involves unfair treat ment upon the rights of a received gender requiring them to act in a certain manner, where it is greatly influenced by culture and upbringing. There are a few unfortunate personalitys in the story who have been condemned to such discrimination and in this story the womanish gender faces the dilemma of creation subjected to gender stereotyping.The first character is Siti, Puan Kamsiahs 17 year old daughter. She is a learner ab let on in the course of taking her SPM but we have seen in the story where Siti monologues about having to ask a teacher at school to persuade her give to let sit for the exam. Traditionally, the female stereotypic role is to marry early, be obedient and submissive and Siti, like every other woman onwards her, is required to follow the cu stoms and norms. This shows that in that society, women, in general, have no say in their lives especially for mortal as young as Siti. Siti was also portrayed to have felt a sense of enviousness towards Azreen who was lucky enough to have furthered her studies overseas, in London, while she is still wonky on taking her SPM. Opinion provided, her fathers role in making decisions may swell up ruin the possibility of a dexterous future as mentioned in the book where Siti is actually a hard-working student who loves to study.Secondly, the character Madhuri is the perfect depiction of how gender stereotyping may ruin individuals life and in her case, it took away her life. Madhuri as portrayed in the novel is the perfect example of a woman who possesses the deportment requirements and is considered sincere by the villagers through her soft spoken ways. She give the axe teach Quran lessons to the children of the village and she can cook very well as seen when Azreens capture as ks for the porridge Madhuri made. Madhuri also obliges her fathers manipulative orders to marry Haji Ghani scorn having the flutters for another. Additionally, Madhuri takes care of her parents even after her marriage to Haji Ghani.As a reader, I have seen how this changed in theeyes of Azreen when she finds out the truth regarding her infants death and secret love affair to Asraf. Madhuris character takes a big leap in change and naturally becomes her frontage to cover up for the forbidden affair that she had entang conduct herself into. She is no long-term the perfect idol for women to follow and men to like and this contrast led to her demise. In my opinion, her naivety to confess her true heart led to the deterioration of her flawless personality which was perceived by the ignorant and self-righteous villagers. When her self-centered father discovered the truth, he had killed her in uncontrollable rage, not being able to accept his daughter loving other than her proclaim h usband.Lastly, gender stereotyping is depicted throughout the novel, in the main character Azreen through the candidate of female behaviourism. This statement is further plantn when Azreens school friends come forward to cast suspicious eyes towards her when she bears unlady-like. She plays hockey with the boys and even laughs like a bunch of hyenas with them. To them, as a woman, Azreen is not expected to be tomboyish and hangs too closely with boys. She is also considered obstinate and rude by the villagers and her own parents when she chooses to speak her promontory rather than remain silent which is against the norms of the villagers as shown in various occasions in the novel, namely, the bull incident where she takes the blame for Asraf out of loyalty in friendship. In my opinion, Azreens unladylike and outspoken behaviour has triggered a sense of discomfort among the people around her as she does behave in the stereotyped manner, where they perceive her as disrespecting t he elderly.People tend to be cast out when they dont follow certain norms of a society. This is evident in the reasons that I have stated. In my opinion, Lee Su Ann has shown perfectly how narrow-minded thinking can lead to detrimental outcomes. These sorts of stereotypes can prove harmful they can stifle individual expression and creativity, as well as hinder personal and professional growth.Additional pointPuan Fatihah.In the sense of a woman having to marry and produce offspring, Puan Fatihah is seen as someone who has failed this. She is incapable of bearing her husband a child and always feels unassured about herself. This flaw renders her nearly useless in her husbands eyes when she is unable to fulfill her duty as wife. I can understand her pain of insecurity as she looks into the mirror and see her unbeatable aging face. Meanwhile, Hj Ghani the insensitive husband marries another woman, Madhuri, who is by both men and womens standards beautiful.We have seen how much the v illagers worship her flawless personality and beauty and Hj Ghani, despite a wise man, also falls for the stereotyped mind set. Pn Fatihahs declining beauty has caused her to feel envy towards Madhuri and to be angry at her husband. However, it is not her fault, but rather, the fault of the villagers who use the subject of beauty to prevention the worth of a woman. How sure you are that it was not Hj Ghani who is barren? Madhuri, the second base wife, also did not produce a child for him before her wrong(p) death.