Arthur Miller's Modern Culture: Identity And Aspects Of Culture
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Identity & aspects of culture
In the first 9 chapters the cultural influence is rather subtle. The main focus during the beginning chapters is instead on the main character’s present situation as well as his background as a divorced, middle aged, university professor. The professor, David Lurie, engages in two different sexual relationships, first with the escort Seraya, and secondly with one of his students called Melanie.
It seems as if David views neither of the women as much more than something usable for his own personal needs, and his focus is almost solely on their bodies which he somewhat indirectly implies having a certain claim on. “Why? Because a woman's beauty does not belong to her alone. It is part of the bounty she brings into the world. She has a duty to…show more content… He express his dislike towards women who make no effort to be attractive referring to one of Lucy's friends, and describes his daughter's body in a more detailed way than any male character in the book; “Her hips and breasts are now (he searches for the best word) ample” and later “Ample is a kind word for Lucy. Soon she will be positively heavy. Letting herself go, as happens when one withdraws from the field of love” (chapter 7).
Culture clashes
The move to the countryside offers a great change of scenery. Lucy and David are close to being polar opposites, and live their lives accordingly. David sees himself as an intellectual from the city, whereas he sees Lucy as someone from the past. Despite their differences, he seems to be a proud parent: “Good! If this is to be what he leaves behind - this daughter, this woman - then he does not have to be ashamed” (chapter 7). Although, Lucy believes that he still thinks that she should be doing something better with her life, reaching “higher”, and that the farmer's life is below him.
The importance of religion and