Comparing Literature

In literature, whether poems, short stories, or dramas, a theme is created.  Writers will use content, form, and style to communicate this theme.  This comparative essay will demonstrate how the writers of two pieces of literature communicate their themes.  Thurber’s “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” and Bernard’s “I’m Going,” will be compared relative to their representation of gender roles.  “Gender roles are common and well-integrated into American society (Bauer & Sandstrom, 2011).” “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” humorously shows how a man and woman argue on a daily basis.  “I’m Going” also shows this arguing but in play form.  Both pieces of literature communicate the constant theme of what is expected of a man and woman in society.  Content, form, and style of both will be analyzed to see how it was used to develop this common theme.  In analyzing Thurber’s “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” it is obvious that Mrs. Mitty nags Walter.  For example, in this line, “"You're tensed up again," said Mrs. Mitty.”It's one of your days. I wish you'd let Dr. Renshaw look you over” (as cited in Clugston, 2010), Mrs. Mitty is telling Walter he should go to the doctor.  This is one of the many times she tells him what to do.  Thurber satirizes Mrs. Mitty on several occasions as well.  For example, in the line, “You know I don't like to go more than forty” (as cited in Clugston, 2010), she is telling Walter how she doesn’t like to go fast.  However, forty is an exaggeratingly slow speed.  This can go on to show how men are more aggressive drivers.  For example, "for every 100 recorded female deaths due to transport accidents, there were 266 male deaths” (Flanagan, 2009).  Walter, based upon his outlandish dreams, wanted to be a risk taker.  He wanted to be more than the weaker character he was.  The theme in a story is a representation of the idea behind the story (Clugston, 2010).  In “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” the theme seemed to be a man escaping reality to...