• Going against social norms - Women should be submissive, entertainment for men
  • John’s ‘Weariness’
• John Brett - family friend
• Most likely autobiographical
• Dramatic monologue,
• Sarcastic assertive tone,

“Why will you haunt me with a face as wan”.

• Aware of the male gaze,
• wan = pale, forlorn
• Speaker refuses that she is to blame for John’s feelings

Links to Ibsen

Opposite of mrs Linde:

• Entered into marriage for money - ironically died and left her nothing

  • If she’d said “no thank you”,

• “Thank you” - quiet empowerment of women