The Feminist Lens In Alice Munro's The Shining House

In many stories, the characters are what define the narrative; they separate the engaging stories from the monotonous, the humourous from the somber, and the good from the great. Often, a reader’s understanding of a character changes as a story progresses and new perspectives emerge, allowing for characters to be shaped into three-dimensional, dynamic personas that resonate with the audience. In Alice Munro’s short story, “The Shining Houses”, the application of the feminist lens allows for a more profound understanding of both Mary and Mrs. Fullerton; bringing insightful perspectives on the traits both characters possess. More specifically, Mary is seen to be both self conscious and courageous when analyzing the need for masculine protection

Mary’s reactions to the struggles she is faced with provide readers with a deeper comprehension of her character, and reveal her to be someone who is self conscious and courageous. Firstly, Mary’s character demonstrates her self-consciousness through the internal monologue she has during the birthday party. Mary is unsure of herself, her thoughts, and her opinions, pausing before speaking as she needs to “think of other words, words more sound and reasonable than these; she could not expose to this positive tide any notion that they might think flimsy or romantic, or she would destroy her argument” (Munro 70). As supported by the preceding example, Mary feels incertitude within herself as a result of the societally enforced idea that women are unable to make sound decisions. Mary is dismissive of her own opinion, as she (along with many other women) is often perceived as hysterical or illogical when expressing an idea. Mary is conscious of the societal bias imposed upon women, and her own self confidence and assuredness as a character has consequently been shaped by societal beliefs and values. In addition, a better understanding of Mary and the courageousness her character possesses is acquired when observing her reaction to the masculine protection that is pressed upon her. When departing from the birthday party, Mary is urged to sign a petition to help orchestrate the demolition of Mrs Fullerton’s house. Despite having the knowledge that refusing to sign the petition could result in being alienated from the group and criticized by others, Mary declines the offer, with “her face flush[ing] up at once, her voice… trembling” (Munro 71). In this instance, Mary rebels against the protection that the men are offering; she refuses to