The Representation of Women within the Virgin/Whore Dichotomy in Almodovar's Volver

Women and the Virgin/Whore Dichotomy
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Women and the Virgin/Whore Dichotomy
I will argue that Pedro Almodóvar film is a reflection and survival tactics women have acquired to jump out of affliction and create their path in life and career. Traditions, modernization, and survival are all put into weighing balance throughout the film. How does society view women? Do they expect too much from them than in men? Woman's position in society is the primary rhetorical purpose in the Pedro Almodóvar film. Whore dichotomy resonates about men's perception towards women; some see them as seductive whores or objects. According to the American Psychological Association, hostile sexism deteriorates sexual satisfaction. For ages, women have been on the receiving end, seen as objects of pleasure. Furthermore, society does not acknowledge their effort towards changing the world and believes Pedro's film weighs womanhood and motherhood2.
Analysis
Let us explore society's understanding and perception of womanhood. Typically, womanhood is the quality of being a woman, which is characterized by natural features. In the 19th century, women were not seen as equals to men, and they were usually described as the weaker sex. In this case, they could not hold any public position; rather, they would stay at home and nurse children and home. Middle-class women had no place in society because they could not go to work. Their predominant work was cooking, exercising motherhood, and being a wife. The film gives women some specific roles that present the perception of men towards women. During the Franco era, women were supposed to conform to the old norms of obeying traditions and sexualization. Sexualization is viewing a man or woman in a sexual appeal and portrayed in the film in various scenes. For example, Volver understands the impact of stereotypes, and therefore, he uses every opportunity to take the lead in a male-dominated business. Notably, she explores her career without being sexually objectified. Raimunda uses wisdom to own the restaurant; therefore, she does not let stereotypes destroy her career3. Generally, stereotypes have intense pressure that can override one's ambitions and make them useless both career and life-wise.
Raimunda uses stereotypes as a surviving tactic; otherwise, she would have become a sexual object. Other films in Almodóvar show the affliction women undergo in society. Although some have become murders, they have done that to survive. However, despite feminism, can women get equal opportunities as men in society? It is a complex discussion that requires all ears, and I believe men should be on the front role towards solving this narrative. Literary Ricky ties up an ex-porn star to have a nightstand and prevent her from escape. Ricky is a perfect example of men and society in general who has locked women to not excel in life. Secondly, society does not understand the impact of women in society. They should be given a chance to exercise womanhood, motherhood and be given a chance to exhibit their talents freely. La Macha is a reflection of sexual mobility, and it entails how an individual expresses themselves sexually1.
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