Power and Privilege Displayed in A Woman on a Roof Essay -- Doris Less

Power and Privilege Displayed in A Woman on a Roof In Doris Lessings A Woman on a Roof, three workmen react other than towards a woman sunbathing on a roof. The men are Harry, who is in his mid-40s, Stanley, who is newly married, and Tom, who is 17. They are engaged in a jovial pull the leg of when they spot a woman about fifty yards from where they are standing. Shes on her back, face down on a brown blanket. Stanley is startle to comment, Shes stark naked. Harry agrees, Looks like it, while Tom cranes his spot so he can see more and replies, She thinks no adept can see. Stanley whistles, but the woman does not look up. She sits, smoking a cigarette (856). This seems to be one of Lessings most critically unattended stories. In fact, there are only a few create verbally criticisms about it, and most of these focus on the different reactions of the three workmen. However, the woman, who is not named in the story, is also a very intriguing and interesting character. charm ma ny readers see her as an innocent the sunbather who only wants to be left field alone there is evidence to show that she uses her sexuality through gestural dialogue to show power and privilege. Sociological perspectives suggest that nonverbal communication is of particular importance to women because their lovingization to docility and passivity makes them likely targets for social control. grammatical gender (masculinity or femininity) is not biologically determined but is part of social learning. In Womanspeak and Manspeak, Nancy Henley, Mykol Hamilton, and Barrie Thorne have argued that while womens general bodily appearance must be restrained and restricted, and that their femininity is gauged by how little (personal) berth they take up. In contra... ...Henslin, throng. On Becoming Male. Down to Earth Sociology. Ed. James Henslin. New York The Free Press, 1991. 126-148. Lessing, Doris. A Woman on a Roof. The harper Anthology of Fiction. Ed. Sylvan Barnet. New York Ha rper Collins, 1991. 856-862. Works Consulted Allen, Orphia Jane. Structure and Motif in Doris Lessings A Man and Two Women. Short Story Criticism. Ed. doubting doubting Thomas Votteler.NY Gale query Inc., 1986. 199. Fitzgerald, Edward. Retreat From Home. Short Story Criticism. Ed. Thomas Votteler. New York Gale Research Inc., 1986. 186. Hardin, Nancy. Doris Lessing and the Sufi Way. Short Story Criticism. Ed. Carolyn Riley. New York Gale Research Inc., 1976. 123. Zak, Michele. The Grass Is singing A Little Novel about the Emotions. Short Story Criticism. Ed. Thomas Votteler. New York Gale Research Inc., 1986. 206.