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Maggie: I'm thirty and I'm marrying Willie Mossop - Edexcel - GCSE English Literature - Question 9 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 9
Maggie: I'm thirty and I'm marrying Willie Mossop. And now I'll tell you my terms. In what ways are decisions significant in Hobson's Choice? You must refer to the ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Maggie: I'm thirty and I'm marrying Willie Mossop - Edexcel - GCSE English Literature - Question 9 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Maggie's Decision to Marry Willie
Answer
Maggie's decision to marry Willie Mossop is significant as it represents her breaking free from the control of her father, Hobson. She chooses an equal partnership with Willie, which defies social norms of the time. This act illustrates her independence and determination to make choices about her own life.
Step 2
Hobson's Reluctance and Control
Answer
Hobson's refusal to accept Maggie's decision highlights his controlling nature and the traditional authority exercised by fathers during the Victorian era. His attempts to dictate whom his daughters should marry reflect the societal expectations of the time, which Maggie actively challenges.
Step 3
Business Decisions and Family Dynamics
Answer
Throughout the play, Hobson's decisions regarding the business further complicate family dynamics. His insistence on control leads to potential legal issues, as illustrated when he threatens Willie with legal action. This signifies the clash between traditional values and emerging modern perspectives on business and family roles.
Step 4
Changing Gender Roles
Answer
Maggie's assertiveness in taking charge of her life and decisions signifies the shifting gender roles during the Victorian era. Her character serves as a representation of the new woman who desires autonomy and equal partnership, contrasting sharply with the traditional expectations of submission.
Step 5
Impact of Societal Changes
Answer
The decisions made by characters in 'Hobson's Choice' reflect the broader societal changes occurring during the Victorian period, particularly regarding women's rights and societal roles. Maggie's choices illustrate the challenge to traditional norms, symbolizing the drive towards equality and individual agency.