Sofia and Harpo are coming into such conflict because of Harpo's expectations, and Sofia's determination to be herself. She is strong-willed and stubborn, which does not go along with the image that Harpo has of the submissive, obedient wife. While they both love each other, Sofia tries to resist Harpo's expectations. She is disappointed that Harpo is so weak that he feels he needs to have power over somebody. The fight is about Harpo's struggle for the power Sofia has over him, which he feels is not the way a husband-wife relationship should operate. Throughout his life, Harpo has lived under the whim of Mr. _______. He wants to finally be higher than somebody. Sofia is far more powerful in this situation. She is physically strong, and willful: her determination is in pursuit of a just cause. Harpo, on the other hand, believes he has power in his position as husband, but Sofia renders this power null.
Our table believes that the most powerful reaction Sofia could have to the mayor slapping her would be to stare at him in the face, and walk away. This nonviolent courage elevates individuals over their oppressors in the respect that it fosters for themselves. However, Sofia was too proud to do that, and her reaction to punch the mayor made a great deal of sense in the situation. It was quite similar to her dismay in Harpo's attempted enforcement of his gender's role -- the mayor scornfully slapping Sofia showed his prejudice and haughtiness as a white man. Sofia stood up to these traditions in both situations; however, she lost the battle in this scenario, because of white political power and the public nature of the resistance. She won the battle with Harpo because of its domestic nature. Institutional power is greater than individual power, and it's not a choice.
No comments:
Post a Comment