Gender Roles and Household Pressures in 'Rear Window' Tony XT Yan 11th Grade

Alfred Hitchcock uses his classic mystery Rear Window to convey his opinion and view on the societal expectations of the roles of women and men. He illustrates the negativity of if women are in position, which it uncomforts men and pressures them to escape. Additionally, the film expresses a stereotype that men believe women are interested in money, status or success, while women are only interested in true love. As a result, males in the film are unwilling to proceed further in their relationships, until the desired women force them to form a commitment.

Hitchcock’s protagonist L.B Jefferies to highlight his perspective on the stereotypical 1950s marriage. Right at the beginning of the film, Jefferies claims that his “drastic” move is to “get married”, and his argument about the troublematic Lisa Fremont, while Stella suggests that she is “loaded to her fingertips with love for [Jefferies]”. These speak directly to the issue about men and women relationships at the time, which men are the ones in positions and they do not accept the opinions of women. However, as Jefferies’ girlfriend Lisa Fremont breaks this conventional expectation, their relationship is soon is tension. The businesswomen Lisa, attempts to spoil Jefferies...