Applying the Feminist Criticism All forms of media and literature have female characters in them. If we analyze every piece under a microscope, we can find that these female characters are often placed into a stereotype or are made to fit into a mold of a patriarchal atmosphere. Often times they are made conform to the male’s standard of what is “Good” and “wife-like”. Other times, the male figure attempts to rob the female of their self-reliance. A great example of this is a short story called “The Chaser” by John Collier. In this fictional short story, the main character, named Alan, seeks out a potion from a mysterious old man that will make the love of his life fall in love with him. When the old man explains the effects of the potion, Alan expresses his excitement about how much the female, Diana, will change her life to be completely devoted to him. In line 24 of the story the old man states “For indifference… they substitute devotion. For scorn, adoration. Give one tiny measure of this to the young lady… She will want nothing but solitude and you.” Alan loves this idea that the old man has painted in his head. Although Alan’s intention is not to directly strip Diana of her independence, that would be the outcome of the potion’s success. All Alan wants is complete devotion from …show more content…
Alan is aware that her devotion to him would be a complete reversal of her behavior. This is shown in chucks 34 and 35 in the story, ““How carefully she will look after you! She will never allow you to be tired, to sit in a draught, to neglect your food. If you are an hour late, she will be terrified. She will think you are killed…” “I can hardly imagine Diana like that!”” He has no issue forcefully changing Diana’s life to suit his idea of love and