Literary Analysis Essay on The Erl-King and In the Company of Wolves

Introduction

When Angela Carter was writing these stories The Erl-King and In the Company of Wolves, most societies were highly affected by the issue of feminism. At this time, women were only responsible to handle various home activities such as cleaning and cooking. Additionally, women were used as a symbol of sex. These responsibilities were defined based on gender roles. In this case, society had various expectations among various groups. As such, Carter explores female sexual freedom by highlighting various problems women encounter in society. In the novel, the Company of Wolves, the author shows how women are sexually violated. In this novel, the wolves are used to represent 'men' society. Men are responsible to take away the virginity of girls and women. Additionally, the author shows various occasions how the girl is a victim of wolves, and hence, they are perceived as prey. The author says, "Forest assassins grey members of a congregation of a nightmare." In society, men are seen as a sexual predator who endangers young girls. They tend to employ their sexual power which offers carnal desire. Due to this act, men tend to focus on young ladies since old women will not offer them their wish. Additionally, in the novel, The Erl-King, women are highly subjected to sexual violence. Women are seen suffering but they lack any other alternatives on how to overcome the issue. For instance, the author shows how Erl King confuses between desire and disgust causing the death to a lady.

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The author also makes the female sexuality a central theme as she wants to scare and caution girls and women what they are likely to encounter in society. In this case, she echoes the stereotypes which are associated with gender roles. In modern society, gender role has greatly changed, but it has not effectively been embraced. As such, girls are still controlled by men and their authority is grounded on their relationship. Therefore, women should understand this concept to develop an effective way that helps to overcome the challenge. Additionally, in the two novels, the author shows how men are feared by both women and children. Due to this perception, it becomes hard for women to fight for their rights and freedom. Due to high appetite and sexuality, men are highly driven by the desire for sex. This makes men to violate women's rights to fulfill their sexual desire. Additionally, an image of a naked man is seen as a dangerous object which is highly feared by women and girls. As such, women very bitter as they are engaged in violence such as war as they demand for sex. Women have no power, and hence, they cannot resist the kind of actions which they are subjected by men.

Additionally, the author says that men view women as an object of sex. During the action is the only period when men may collaborate with women. For instance, In the Company of Wolves, the author explains of a young lady is dumped on her wedding night. As a way of fighting the incidence, the lady gets another man who does not create time for her. This action makes her to be perceived as a baby machine. Later on, the first husband returns, but he is killed by the second one. When the lady saw the action, she wept, and in return, she was highly beaten. This action shows that women are slaves and they are only allowed to engage in domestic affairs. Additionally, when the old grandmother was eaten, the young lady was taken to bed by the wolf. In the room, the girl had no power to protect herself from being sexually harassed. Instead, the wolf was only driven by his desire so as to satisfy his sexual needs.

The two focus on how women have been subjected to a massive violation and other negative actions. The author is trying to educate women on various behaviors they are likely to be subjected. Through the experience, the author is trying to show how women can fight for their freedom and rights. Women are capable of doing other major activities but due to society's perception and beliefs, they are denied the chance. It is a social norm that women to engage in domestic activities such as cooking and cleaning. They are not required to take any social activities such as leadership. Application of modern system will help to overcome traditional perceptions such as magic which are highly embraced by some community. Embracement of modern actions helps women to develop effective techniques which assist to overcome and protect themselves from some actions. This action tries to undermine the social perception of the gender role. Socially, men are seen as the head of the family and he has the power to make and direct authority. However, modern society allows all people to access equal rights and freedom at all levels regardless of their genders.