Theme: Misogyny

Theme: Misogyny

Overview of the Theme

  • Misogyny is a prevailing theme within The Trick is to Keep Breathing by Janice Galloway.
  • It reflects the societal and personal prejudices that women have to counteract, contributing to the protagonist Joy’s mental health issues.
  • The theme get illustrated via the destructive relationships Joy has with male characters and the oppressive societal norms.

Discussion of Misogyny in the Novel

  • The illicit relationship between Joy and Michael can be interpreted as a reflection of misogyny, with Joy being viewed as an accessory to a man rather than an individual.
  • The pathologisation of Joy’s grief and subsequent mental health disturbance is indicative of societal misogyny - with the medical system treating her problems dismissively, and attributing them simply to ‘hysteria’.
  • Joy’s body image issues and eating disorder can also be seen as a byproduct of misogynistic societal expectations, specifically the widespread unrealistic ideals of female beauty.

Impact of Misogyny

  • The pervasive misogyny that Joy encounters contributes to her deteriorating mental health.
  • It fosters a deep sense of alienation and self-loathing in Joy which intensifies her depression.
  • The objectification she experiences relating to her body and her role drives her further into disordered eating and self-destructive behaviours.

Connection with Other Themes

  • The theme of misogyny interrelates closely with other themes in the novel such as depression, isolation, and identity crisis.
  • The misogynistic undertones in societal and personal relationships is a pivotal factor in the protagonist’s emotional state.

Relevant Quotes

  • “I was the other woman, condemned already.” - This quote implies Joy’s internalisation of societal judgement and the blame she puts on herself for the affair.
  • “My mouth was a mistake I was born with. It would be better if I sewed it up.” - Joy’s self-abnegating thoughts, driven by the oppressive societal norms, directly depict the effect of misogyny on her mental health.
  • “Something small and secret is eating me.” - This metaphor suggests the self-destructive effects of misogyny, not just in personal relationships but societal expectations too.