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Springtime Sexism

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Words 885
Pages 4
Nico deveber
Professor Gabrielle Houle
DRST 2617
10 October 2014
Springtime by María Irene Fornés is a play that follows the lives of Rainbow and Greta, two lovers living in a small city in 1958. Springtime brings up many issues on love, power, and desperation; especially in regards to poverty and sexism. Through a close reading of the text, it will become clear that this play requires its audience to understand how poverty and sexism intersect in regards to oppression and privilege in society.
Poverty is a clear topic in Springtime, it is first presented in the second scene wherein Greta is ill, and Rainbow is forced to steal in order to afford her treatments: “I must do it. You’re ill and we must take care of you.” (83). In this scene Greta begs Rainbow not to do something that could endanger her, and Rainbow insists that she must to be able to afford her treatments. This is the first of many scenes in which the issue of poverty is presented to the audience. In another scene, Greta tries to get Rainbow to throw away the watch she has stolen, and again Rainbow cannot oblige because, “We need the money. For you. To make you well.” (83). …show more content…
Rainbow is driven to blackmail and prostitution, taking nude photos with men in desperation to pay for Greta’s treatments. While Greta is livid, Rainbow explains that “I have to. . .Because you must have treatment.” (87). Rainbow goes on to emphasise that her acts are for Greta, and because of that, she doesn’t mind. Rainbow’s desperation to keep Greta in her life trumps her own wellbeing and safety. The audience is forced to see the acts that the poor are forced to do when someone they love is

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