Power is a recurring theme in Sophie Treadwell’s Machinal. The Oxford Dictionaries define power as “the ability or capacity to do something or act in a particular way”. The play gives some clear examples on how men use their power to directly affect the young woman’s decisions in different parts of her life. In the first scene the boss sexually harasses her by putting his hand on her shoulder; while everyone saw it, no one did anything about it. As her husband, the man wasn’t even concerned if the young woman was interested in intimacy while firmly sharing he “understood” women. In the hospital the Doctor completely disregards the young woman’s decisions on distance from her baby and her own needs as if his word had more value than hers. This method of manipulation is a result of the gender roles in our society. Masculinity is familiarized with independence, strength and leadership. Boys are told “crying is for girls” and many other inflicting expressions, making them think they have the upper hand.

I argue the best way to combat this mentality is avoiding the implementation of the gender roles as we know them to be. There is no reason a boy can’t get in touch with his emotional side. In the same way, girls shouldn’t be limited into hiding their strength and independence by the fear of failing to be feminine. This could help the differences between both sexes come to a better understanding, allowing equality to rise into the picture. There is no room to fail when you are yourself. Continue to be!