A Jury of Her Peers by Susan Glaspell, Essay Example

Outline

1. Introduction to the story – gender and its relevance to the story
   1. Gender symbols – male versus female
   2. Gender differences – examples
2. Analysis of Gender Issues – evaluation of examples associated with gender similarities and differences
   1. Assumptions regarding gender differences – examples
   2. Gender perspectives – male and female
   3. Character behaviors – establishing the story’s tone
3. Conclusion – summary of the story’s gender-based concerns
4. Works Cited

Introduction

The short story “A Jury of Her Peers” is a descriptive analysis that addresses the use of gender as a primary determinant of the story and its objectives. Throughout this story, the author uses a variety of symbols of male versus female in order to establish the story’s tone and premise. The setting provides a number of opportunities to explore the differences between men and women, and how the men possess a tendency to believe that the women do not concern themselves with important matters. For example, “Well can you beat the women! Held for murder, and worrying about her preserves!” (Glaspell 5). Nonetheless, some of the men realize just how valuable the women in their lives really are to them: “And yet,” said he, with the gallantry of a young politician, “for all their worries, what would we do without the ladies?” (Glaspell 6). From this perspective, it is evident that the men in the story face a number of personal issues with the women in their lives, but that in the end, they recognize that they could not easily live without them shaping their existence.

Analysis of Gender Issues

Since the role of gender plays such an important role in the story, it is evident that there are many assumptions made by both genders in regards to the other, and in particular, the males towards the females: “Dirty towels! Not much of a housekeeper, would you say, ladies?” (Glaspell 6). The story demonstrates many examples such as this one of definitive differences between men and women in the story, and how these reflected a challenging approach to determining the fate of Mrs. Wright. I

In addition, it is evident that despite the similarities between the women, Mrs. Wright marched to the beat of her own drummer in some ways: “I tell you, it’s queer, Mrs. Peters. We live close together, and we live far apart. We all go through the same things – it’s just all a different kind of the same thing!” (Glaspell 15-16). Therefore, the author recognizes that there are significant factors involved in how the men and women treat each other, and that their behavior tends to change when evaluating the other gender. It is important to distinguish between these differences because the story appears to demonstrate that Mrs. Wright’s peculiar behavior and demeanor established the tone for her actions.

Conclusion

Glaspell’s story provides a unique reminder of the ways in which men and women are vastly different in terms of how they perceive each other. Loyalty knows no bounds in this story, as noted in the following: “Ah, loyal to your sex, I see,“ he laughed. He stopped and gave her a keen look. “But you and Mrs. Wright were neighbors. I suppose you were friends too” (Glaspell 6). In this context, the women are destined to support each other, regardless of the circumstances, even when there are concerns in these relationships. At the same time, the men continue to demonstrate that they will never understand where the women are coming from in their thoughts and actions: “But would the women know a clue if they did come upon it?” (Glaspell 7). Therefore, the story is largely based upon gender differences, and reflects the challenges that are evident in supporting gender-based issues on both sides.

Works Cited

Glaspell, Susan. “A Jury of Her Peers.” 2 November 2010:

http://www.planetfreebook.com/Classic_collection/classic_books_author_G_PDF_edited_filenames/Glaspell.Susan!%20A%20Jury%20of%20Her%20Peer.pdf