Great Books/Reading Women as Lovers

Women as Lovers by Elfriede Jelinek is a compelling and stark exploration of the lives of two women, Brigitte and Paula, in a small Austrian town. The novel examines the intersection of gender, class, and societal expectations through the contrasting paths of these women as they navigate love, relationships, and their desires for a better life.

Brigitte works in a factory and is determined to escape her impoverished background by marrying Heinz, an ambitious man who owns an electrical shop. She believes that securing a conventional marriage with Heinz will provide her with financial stability and social status. Despite the unromantic and calculated nature of their relationship, Brigitte’s pragmatic approach reflects the limited options available to women of her class.

Paula, on the other hand, is a romantic who dreams of finding true love and passion. She falls for Erich, a woodworker who shares her humble origins but lacks the ambition and stability that Brigitte seeks in Heinz. Paula’s relationship with Erich is tumultuous and marked by hardship, reflecting her struggle to reconcile her idealistic desires with the harsh realities of her socio-economic circumstances.

The novel delves into the inner lives of these women, exposing their thoughts, aspirations, and disappointments. Jelinek’s prose is unflinching and often stark, highlighting the oppressive nature of the social structures that confine and define the women’s lives. Through Brigitte and Paula’s stories, Jelinek critiques the societal norms that dictate women’s roles and limit their opportunities.

"Women as Lovers" offers a bleak yet poignant commentary on the ways in which love, labor, and societal expectations intertwine to shape the destinies of women. It portrays the stark choices faced by women in a patriarchal society and the sacrifices they make in their pursuit of security and fulfillment.

Assignment

Obtain a copy of the book. It is not yet included in Wikisource, and is available from several libraries listed in Worldcat.

Read the book. Study the book.

Write an essay on one of the following topics:

In a Great Books University curriculum, the discussion questions for "Women as Lovers" by Elfriede Jelinek would likely focus on its themes, characters, socio-political context, and narrative style. Here are some questions that could be assigned:

Themes of Love and Marriage: How does "Women as Lovers" explore the themes of love and marriage? Compare and contrast Brigitte and Paula’s views on love and their motivations for marriage. How do these motivations reflect their social and economic circumstances?
Societal Expectations and Gender Roles: Discuss how societal expectations and traditional gender roles influence the lives of Brigitte and Paula. How do these roles limit their choices and shape their identities? How do the characters conform to or resist these expectations?
Class and Socio-Economic Status: Analyze the impact of class and socio-economic status on the characters' lives. How do Brigitte and Paula’s backgrounds influence their aspirations and relationships? What does the novel suggest about the intersection of class and gender?
Contrasting Paths and Outcomes: Compare the paths taken by Brigitte and Paula. How do their differing approaches to love and life lead to different outcomes? What message does Jelinek convey through these contrasting narratives?
Critique of Patriarchy: How does Jelinek critique patriarchal society in "Women as Lovers"? Identify specific passages where the author highlights the oppression and limitations faced by women. What are the broader implications of this critique for contemporary society?
Narrative Style and Structure: Discuss the narrative style and structure of the novel. How does Jelinek’s use of language and narrative perspective contribute to the themes and tone of the book? Consider the impact of her unflinching, sometimes stark prose on the reader.
Symbolism and Imagery: Identify and analyze key symbols and images in the novel. How do they enhance the themes and atmosphere of the story? Consider how Jelinek uses everyday objects and settings to underscore the characters’ struggles and aspirations.
Character Development and Psychology: Explore the psychological depth of Brigitte and Paula. How does Jelinek portray their inner lives, thoughts, and emotions? What insights do we gain into their characters through their internal monologues and actions?
Feminist Perspectives: In what ways can "Women as Lovers" be seen as a feminist text? Discuss how the novel addresses issues of female agency, autonomy, and resistance. How does Jelinek challenge traditional narratives about women’s roles in society?
Comparison with Other Works: Compare "Women as Lovers" with another feminist or socially critical novel you have read. What similarities and differences can you identify in their treatment of women’s lives, societal constraints, and themes of love and marriage?
Impact of Environment on Choices: How do the rural and small-town settings of the novel influence the characters’ choices and opportunities? Discuss the role of the environment in shaping the destinies of Brigitte and Paula.
Endings and Implications: What is the significance of the novel’s ending for both Brigitte and Paula? How do their final situations reflect the novel’s broader themes and critiques? What do their fates suggest about the possibilities for change in their lives and society?

These questions encourage deep analysis and critical thinking, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the novel's rich and multi-faceted narrative and its socio-political commentary.