How does the theory of Feminism tie into the way characters

are portrayed/displayed – the choices they make or don’t?

Take into account the novel takes place in the 50s.

In the Novel Revolutionary Road, by Richard Yates, Frank and April Wheeler appear to
be the ideal couple of the 50s. Though they fit into, and are portrayed in, the gender roles of the
era when in the public eye, both are trying to avoid conforming to the suburban society’s ideals
around them. This is apparent when they are in their home environment because April frequently
emasculates Frank in order to feel that she is in control of the house as the alpha male, and
because of this, Frank often feels the need to prove his masculinity. The Wheeler’s personalities’
feud with one another in their desire to attain the dominant gender role because April is
independent and wishes to maintain her independence, but Frank makes this hard for her by
forcing her to acknowledge him via his inferiority complex, which causes him to feel the need to
acquire accolades from her that she does not always wish to give. The theory of feminism ties
into the way Frank and April Wheeler are portrayed because Frank is displayed as less
masculine, more dependent, and more in need of accolades from April than the average man in
that time, while April is portrayed as more independent, outspoken, and with a more unfulfilled
life because of Frank; normally women of the time would depend (89-as said by frank) and abide
by their husbands rules and be completely happy with doing so.

Compare characteristics of Frank/April with how would be w & w/o feminism

April
-More Independent Q: in terms of her husband b/c unquestioned/unincluded(67) April
cleans house but hates it (281)mad @ frank for pregnancy (65)
-Outspoken Q: call yourself a man (37) normally women of the time would depend (89-as
said by frank)
-Lives more unfulfilled Q: frank=lazy/unhelpful(58) April seems to blame frank for her
pregnancy =reason doesn’t talk to him and can’t go to europe(282)
157 giving frank masculinity

Conclusion: The author’s use of feminist theory propels him to portray Frank as a man
who lives off of his wife’s compliments, and who cannot fulfill his need for them since his wife
acts as an equal to him in terms of his abilities. Feminism also contributes to the way April is
portrayed; for, it seems that her life is unfulfilling because of her frequent anger caused by what
seems to be Frank’s uselessness.

Frank
-Less/need to feel Masculine Q: Milly Convo: (81aproval, 90,131) Maureen: masculine
feel 131/2/3[tall/strong feel] w/o wife = unmasculine/w/o compliments/meaning = dependence?
400
-More dependent :(266) not included in plans(67) insulting gives pwr(398)april proves by
(414)
-More in need of accolades from April Q:Promotion: 240-41, apologizing for leaving job
278
 April is portrayed as more independent, outspoken, and with a more unfulfilled life
because of Frank, given that normally women of the time would depend and abide by their
husbands rules, and be completely happy with doing so.