• Dr. Ameen Z. M. alKhamaiseh

  Author

This paper presents a critique of patriarchy in Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" (1948)
and Isaac Babel's "My First Goose" (1929). The main argument centers on the question of
whether patriarchy can be challenged or resisted in a male-chauvinist society. Through a
comparative reading of the two stories in question, the study seeks to unravel the main factors
supporting patriarchy. In Jackson's story, patriarchy is supported by the villagers' thoughtless
following of traditions. This factor contributes much to the marginalization of woman and
naturalizing them as meager and weak creatures. Therefore, Jackson's critique of patriarchy
figures mainly in critiquing the traditional role women are satisfied to play in their society. In
other words, she blames women for accepting themselves to be subordinate and second to men.
However, in Babel's story, patriarchy supports itself by creating stereotypical images about men
and women. These stereotypes contribute further to the general notion that man occupies the
center and woman the margin.

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