cloudstreet feminism notes
...type, but dominant and strong, with the men, the antithesis of the common portrayal, masculinity at one with intuition. Dolly is a very different female character to the other women in the book, yet she still has elements conforming to a feminist criticism. The has a sexual power, using her overt sexuality to exploit men, as a currency, and for her own satisfaction. Eventually, when all become united back at Cloudstreet, all rifts are healed between the women, who generally have had the relationship strains. Dolly and Oriel have an unofficial truce, Dolly and Rose reconcile, Beryl has reconciled with herself, and Oriel has acknowledged her humanity and imperfections. In a sense, the women of Cloudstreet struggle with their self-confident femininity. Oriel and Rose have struggles with their non-conformity into a typical female role, Rose develops anorexia, losing symbols of femininity, hips and periods, while Oriel acknowledges her need for love. The ideas of romantic love in the text also conform to a feminist response, with Rose initially surrendering her independence and power so totally to Toby, until she realises that it was the idea of him she fell in love with. When she falls truly in love with Quick, the difference is immense. She doesn’t surrender power, or compromise who she is, but retains her common sense, dignity and personality, coming into her own. Winton’s novel can also be read through a feminist context as his exploration of the idea of identity and a place of belonging is further explored through the dominant roles of women. Lester takes the traditional female role cooking for the shop, meanwhile Oriel, who “makes a lousy pasty,” focuses on the practical side, such as the shop’s competition. Metaphorically described as a “battalion” she runs the family shop “with military precision”, in an effort to keep the family together and “above the water.” In such a way she takes on Lester’s role as the family provider, believing that “he was a fool” even as Lester becomes the family’s emotional caretaker. In his dialogue with Quick he reveals that he “always wanted to be loved,” Oriel by contrast “doesn’t care about all that.” His intuition is shown when he tells Quick that “one thing” he’ll learn is that the “lost will stay with you.” Ironically Lester’s comment applies to the hateful spirits in the house through Winton’s imagery, “that steely old hag and the dark eyed girl.” By examining the dominant role of Oriel, Win...