‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’
An Exploration of Gender and Ambition
In the vibrant heart of the late 1950s New York City, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” unfolds, showcasing a woman’s journey that brims with as much vitality and vivacity as the period itself. Mrs. Miriam “Midge” Maisel, the show’s central character, presents an entrancing portrait of ambition unrestrained by gender norms. Viewers who attempt to confine her aspirations within a traditional feminine framework soon find themselves faced with an indomitable spirit that refuses to be so limited.
Mrs. Maisel’s ambitions, while revolutionary, are subtly framed within the societal context of her time. She’s not presented as an iconoclast shattering every facet of the female stereotype. Instead, she navigates the dichotomy of her domestic life and her comedic aspirations.
Likeability Be Damned: A Woman’s Journey towards Self-Expression
The remarkable aspect of Mrs. Maisel’s character portrayal is that her personal development isn’t compromised for the sake of portraying an ‘ideal feminist.’ She stumbles, errs, and grapples with her ambitions and familial responsibilities. The question arises: Is our judgment of her shortcomings, especially as a mother, more severe because she is a woman? Would we question a male character as intensely had he been in her shoes?
Adichie’s work, ‘Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions,’ encourages the rejection of these societal standards that judge women more harshly for the same actions deemed acceptable in men. Mrs. Maisel’s life can be seen as an embodiment of Adichie’s recommendation, “Teach her to reject likeability. Her job is not to make herself likable; her job is to be her full self, a self that is honest and aware of the equal humanity of other people.”
Midge Maisel, both on stage and off, is far from being likable all the time. She is bold, often abrasive, and unapologetically herself, refusing to fit into the suffocating mold of propriety. The discomfort some viewers feel towards her parental approach, where she often prioritizes her career over her children, is an illuminating reflection of deeply ingrained societal expectations.
Moreover, the series offers a nuanced exploration of women’s roles beyond Midge. Characters like Susie, Midge’s manager, and Rose, Midge’s mother, provide diverse perspectives on womanhood. Each woman’s path reveals the unique challenges they face in their respective social circles. The narrative thereby creates a rich tapestry of interconnected experiences, illustrating the variety of ways women must navigate societal expectations and personal ambitions.
What makes “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” truly remarkable is its bold, honest portrayal of a woman’s struggle to express herself fully.
Midge Maisel, with her defiant spirit, forces viewers to confront the societal norms that seek to limit women’s ambitions to their gender roles.
In this spirit, the narrative approach of the show invites us to question the language of prejudice subtly ingrained in our perspectives. It’s the harsh, unreasonable judgment meted out to Midge for juggling her parental responsibilities and professional aspirations. It’s the raised eyebrows at her audacious jokes on societal conventions, her brashness often seen as inappropriate for her gender.
This distinctive quality is most evident when the show illustrates Midge’s comedy performances, illuminating her fearless, unabashed wit. The stage becomes her platform to challenge and subvert the societal norms that seek to confine her ambitions. Midge embodies what Adichie espouses in her works, that a woman’s ambition should not be tempered by her gender.
Interestingly, the show’s explorations extend beyond gender, subtly delving into aspects of class and privilege. With its glamour and luxury, Midge’s Upper West Side life contrasts sharply with the downtown, gritty atmosphere of the Gaslight Café, where she hones her comedic craft. This economic disparity isn’t employed to chastise or celebrate either side. Instead, it offers viewers a holistic perspective on the intersectionality of privilege and struggle that constitutes Midge’s journey.
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” unabashedly showcases a woman’s journey towards self-expression and ambition, defying the limiting norms of her time. It underscores the fact that women’s experiences are not monolithic but rather a vibrant spectrum of challenges, victories, and personal growth.
In the end, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” reveals itself as more than just a story about a woman daring to dream beyond the ordinary. It delves into the universal themes of human resilience, ambition, and the yearning for self-expression — irrespective of societal constraints. The show stands as a tribute to the complexities of womanhood, with a compelling exploration of ambition that does not bow to gender norms.
