Patriarchy vs Matriarchy

In the novel, “The Innocent Traveller,” issues relating to gender can be evident throughout. In particular, gender roles are viewed for females and males. Ethel Wilson provides many examples which show conflicting concepts of patriarchy and matriarchy during a time when females were expected to behave according to society’s standards.

Readers can first notice gender role differences being highlighted during the opening sentence in the novel. During the introduction, Topaz illustrates the dinner scene as her father is seated “far away at the end of the dinner table” (9). Topaz describes him as being “the kind, handsome and provident man.” This sentence reiterates the socially constructed role of the father in a traditional household system. The paterfamilias being seated at the end of the table indicates dominance or leadership qualities which are essential values of patriarchy. Also, the father is referred to as being provident. Once more this corresponds to the concept of males providing the family with income and support. Moreover, Topaz introduces her mother as being a silent and passive observer as she casts a “quiet somber gaze” (9) around the table. Evidently, her mother neatly fits into the traditional gender role of females being soft and gentle while conforming to patriarchal values.

Furthermore, the character Emily is strong willed and was referred to by Dr. Ogden during a past lecture as a “blue stocking.” Basically, that just implies that she is somewhat of a feminist and believes in matriarchy values. For instance, upon breaking up with Mr. Potter, Emily tells herself, “I am a strong woman” (36) and decides to do something to keep herself occupied rather than being buried in sorrow. This demonstrates to readers that she is independent and does not have the desire of needing a male figure to take care of her. As Dr. Ogden also mentioned, blue stockings generally do not express their emotions which is why Emily hides her feelings and moves on by setting up the School for Young Ladies at Brighton.

In the same way, Topaz also is seen as an independent woman who lives a single life without a male companion. Topaz in particular is a very outgoing woman who does not conform to traditional gender roles. For instance, in the novel there is a part where Topaz joins the men’s section on the train and begins a conversation with them as they smoke. This act of hers is of course seen as a taboo by Anne and Rachel. Also, Topaz may come across to readers as being a feminist. For example, Topaz tells Miss Umplethwaite, “If I had a husband and he forbade me to do anything…I should kick him” (230).

In addition Anne and Rachel can also be considered independent women since they travel alone along with Topaz to Canada. Especially during the time that the novel was written, it was a big deal for females to travel alone without a male chaperone. In doing so, concepts of matriarchy can be viewed since these women are independent of men. Therefore their independency is evident since they live together in a household which is run by females.

In brief, many values of patriarchy and matriarchy are evident in the novel and the examples help readers pay attention to small details. As Ethel Wilson carefully selects her words it causes readers to think about the concepts of how society easily sets male and female standards. Also, the bigger message may be about how one can redefine these traditional roles and break typical gender stereotypes just as Topaz successfully does in the novel.