Control

Definition

Control refers to the power or authority to manage, direct, or influence events or individuals. In literature, this concept often plays a crucial role in examining the dynamics of social structures, personal autonomy, and the consequences of societal expectations on individual characters and their decisions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'The Coquette', control is portrayed through the societal expectations placed on women, particularly regarding marriage and propriety.
2. The protagonist, Eliza, struggles between her desire for independence and the societal pressures that seek to control her choices.
3. Foster critiques the control exerted by male characters over female autonomy, highlighting the limited options available to women in the 18th century.
4. The novel demonstrates how control manifests in personal relationships, particularly through manipulation and emotional power dynamics.
5. Ultimately, Eliza's attempts to assert her control lead to tragic consequences, illustrating the dangers of defying societal norms.

Review Questions

• How does the theme of control manifest in the relationships depicted in 'The Coquette'?
  • In 'The Coquette', control is evident in the relationships between Eliza and her suitors, as well as her family. Male characters often attempt to exert control over Eliza's decisions regarding marriage and behavior, reflecting societal expectations of women's roles. This dynamic showcases the struggle for agency as Eliza navigates these pressures while trying to maintain her independence.
• Discuss the role of social norms in shaping the concept of control in 'The Coquette'. How do these norms impact Eliza's choices?
  • Social norms play a significant role in 'The Coquette' by establishing rigid expectations for women's behavior, particularly regarding marriage and conduct. These norms create an environment where Eliza feels pressured to conform to what is considered acceptable, limiting her choices. As she grapples with these constraints, it becomes clear that societal control stifles her desire for self-determination and happiness.
• Evaluate how Foster uses Eliza's struggle with control to critique broader societal structures in 'The Coquette'. What does this reveal about gender dynamics of the time?
  • Foster uses Eliza's struggle with control as a means to critique the patriarchal structures that dominated society during her time. By illustrating how Eliza's attempts at asserting her autonomy lead to tragic outcomes, Foster highlights the systemic forces that limit women's agency. This portrayal reveals deep-seated gender dynamics where women's choices are heavily regulated by male authority figures and societal expectations, ultimately critiquing a culture that undermines female empowerment.

Related terms

Agency: The capacity of individuals to act independently and make their own choices, often in opposition to external constraints.

Social Norms:

The unwritten rules and expectations that govern behavior within a society, often influencing individual actions and decisions.

Patriarchy:

A social system in which men hold primary power and authority, affecting the control and agency of women within society.