In a world rigidly defined by societal expectations, can a woman truly break free and claim her own space? Alice Munro's poignant short story, explored within, unveils the struggles of a female writer yearning for independence in a time when a woman's place was firmly within the home. Trapped between the comforting embrace of domesticity and the burning desire for creative expression, the protagonist seeks refuge in a rented office, a symbol of self-reliance typically reserved for men. However, her attempt at emancipation is complicated by the enigmatic landlord, Mr. Malley, whose contradictory behavior blurs the lines of professional courtesy and unwanted intimacy. This analysis delves into the story's intricate layers, dissecting the impact of traditional gender roles on both the protagonist and her antagonist, examining how these roles fuel conflict and shape their actions. Discover the subtle nuances of their interactions, where the narrator grapples with feelings of obligation, curiosity, and a stifling sense of being controlled. Witness the unraveling of her dream as Mr. Malley's actions, fueled by his own wounded pride and societal expectations, lead to accusations and ultimately, the protagonist's crushing defeat. More than just a conflict between two individuals, this is a profound exploration of a woman's battle against ingrained societal norms and her fight for self-discovery in a world that seeks to confine her. The exploration further considers the story's narrative perspective, revealing how the protagonist's subjective viewpoint serves as a coping mechanism for the overwhelming challenges she faces. Uncover the symbolic significance of "The Office" itself, representing the protagonist's longing to be recognized for her creative abilities and her professional aspirations, reflecting broader themes of female empowerment, role playing, gender dynamics, and the enduring quest for personal fulfillment in the face of adversity, resonating deeply with contemporary discussions on women in literature and social change.
Analysis of Alice Munro`s „The Office“ considering aspects of traditional role concepts and their influence on the behaviour of the protagonist and her antogonist
The short story „The Office“ by Alice Munro deals with a woman who is torn between the traditional female role concept and her profession as an independent writer.
The main point at issue is to analyse the story according to the influence of set role concepts on a character but also the conflicts and different types of behaviour which result in these role.
The story can be divided into two sections according to the setting. In the first part the protagonist who is also the narrator reveals her dissatisfactory situation at home, where she feels cramped by being just a mother and housewife. In the second part the reader experiences the attempt to emancipate herself as a writer by renting an office of her own. Soon a conflict between the antagonist, her landlord Mr.Malley, and her arises because she feels bothered by his obtrusive behaviuor. He inhibits her self-confidence by means of depriciation. She gives up her office and her dream of independence.
The initial situation is that the narrator has ambivalent feelings towards being only a housewife, mother and wife. On the one hand she feels „sheltered“ and „warmed“ but on the other hand „bound“ which is expressed in the phrase: „A woman is the house“. She cannot even „shut the door“ to be alone because it „was an offence against nature“, which means a a negligence of her duties. Another aspect is that people do not appreciate her qualities as female writer. „Fiction“ is all she can reply when she is asked about her writing „being humiliated“. She longs for independence and avoidance of traditional role functions of women.
A contemporary solution to this is the acquisition of an office of her own which is a typical status symbol of self-employment normally attributed to men. This is also the basis to redefine her role and to emancipate herself from all those role restrictions and furthermore a means to realize her creative self as a writer.
Thus she gets into contact with the landlord Mr. Malley who is a very contradictory character. According to his outward appearance the narrator notices that he displays masculine ornaments for instance diplomas, a huge ashtray and he has „a tendency to spread himself“ which, might serve as a means of compensation.. Contrary to this he appears to be quite effeminite.. Besides this the narrator feels his longing for intimacy but there is a chronic mistrust about him. Mr. Malley often visits her, shows interest in her work and gives presents to her but nevertheless she faces his nearness with a certain unease. She only yields to his appeal to her pity and to her curiosity out of politeness and her characteristic trait to placate people: „How could I confront, in the open, this craving for intimacy?“She feels cramped and almost blackmailed by his affection but she is not able to set limits to him: „This is a test and I did not pass it.“ Mr. Malley`s behaviour is a typical attempt of a man courting a woman., a man`s role to get attention. To the narrator however it is an obstacle to her drive towards independence and emancipation.
One day she learns that Mr.Malley reads her manuscript which makes her very angry.
Instead of explaining to him that she does not want to be disturbed when writing she locks her door. This is the point when the forced coexistence turns into an open conflict .
Mr.Malley feels inappropriately rejected, makes him the victim and accuses her of behaving in an immoral and abnormal way.. His vanity as a man to court a woman is hurt. He no longer tolerates the narrator`s claim as a writer and offends her by saying he had „never seen her name in print“.“ Just give me your word of honour there won`t be any more deceptions“. He blames her of having painted the walls of the washroom with graffity.
After all these unjust accusations there is no basis left for rational discussion. This is an unbearable situation for the narrator and she leaves with an „absorbing depression“.
It is a defeat not only concerning the conflict with Mr. Malley and the fact that she simply could not get the better of him with this claim but the inner conflict between female role restrictions and her drive towards independence.
In order to sum it up in can be stated that the protagonist and the antagonist as well have internalized traditional role functions. As far as the title „The Office“ is concerned the deeper meaning of this acquisition is revealed, the symbolical character of the office. The narrator wants to attach importance to her job and to her creative self.
The story is narrated in first person which implies a limited and subjective view of the events and only gives insight into the narrator`s own mind. She only emphasizes her own feelings and impressions and comments on the antagonist`s remarks and behaviour. One can come to the conclusion that the narrator used this method to cope with the predominant conflict by means of autotherapy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of Alice Munro's "The Office"?
The short story "The Office" by Alice Munro explores the conflict a woman experiences between traditional female roles and her desire to be an independent writer. It analyzes how societal expectations and internalized role concepts influence the behavior of the protagonist and her antagonist, Mr. Malley.
What is the initial situation of the narrator in "The Office"?
The narrator feels ambivalent about being solely a housewife and mother. While she appreciates the security and warmth, she also feels confined and longs for independence and recognition as a writer.
How does the narrator attempt to resolve her dissatisfaction in "The Office"?
She rents an office space as a symbol of self-employment and a means to redefine her role, emancipate herself from traditional restrictions, and pursue her creative aspirations.
Describe Mr. Malley's character and his interaction with the narrator in "The Office."
Mr. Malley is a contradictory character who displays masculine traits outwardly but also exhibits effeminate tendencies. He seeks intimacy with the narrator, often visiting her and showing interest in her work. However, his obtrusive behavior makes the narrator feel uneasy and inhibits her self-confidence.
What event triggers an open conflict between the narrator and Mr. Malley in "The Office"?
The conflict escalates when the narrator discovers that Mr. Malley has been reading her manuscript without permission. This leads to a breakdown in their forced coexistence and an open confrontation.
What accusations does Mr. Malley level against the narrator in "The Office"?
Mr. Malley, feeling rejected, accuses the narrator of behaving immorally and abnormally. He also dismisses her credibility as a writer and blames her for vandalism in the washroom.
What is the outcome of the conflict between the narrator and Mr. Malley in "The Office"?
The unjust accusations and unbearable situation force the narrator to abandon her office and her dream of independence, leaving her with "an absorbing depression."
What does the title "The Office" symbolize in the story?
The office represents the narrator's attempt to gain importance for her job and her creative self. It is a symbol of her desire for independence and self-realization.
How does the first-person narration affect the reader's understanding of "The Office"?
The first-person narration provides a limited and subjective view of the events, giving insight only into the narrator's own mind, feelings, and impressions. This allows the reader to understand her perspective and how she copes with the conflict.
What is the significance of traditional role concepts in "The Office"?
Traditional role concepts play a crucial role in the story, highlighting the challenges women face in achieving independence and self-realization. The story suggests that pregnancy and upbringing on a traditional basis can be handicaps, requiring greater courage and effort to deviate from rigid societal patterns.
- Quote paper
- Timm Seng (Author), 2000, Munro, Alice - The Office - Textanalysis, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/102879
