Summary Of Elizabeth Lester's 'The Leaving'

1969 was a year where men were regarded as more powerful, controlling figures than women. Due to the conventions of this time period, Lester portrayed a stubborn, dominant character, with no respect to his wife, Elizabeth, because of her supposed lower status. However, Elizabeth challenged these social conventions and stood up for herself. Her determination and courage actually did instigate positive change within her family. Like Elizabeth, I have encountered a similar situation which revolved around someone assuming a higher status, and having to challenge social norms. In my instance, it was during last summer, when I attended a summer camp. There was a particular male in my group who had the tendency to paint his nails every week. Although the majority of people did not judge what type of lifestyle choice he made, two boys constantly teased him and aggravated him.
Whenever there were assignments to be completed, the boys often copied off their victim without consent. This situation is comparable with Elizabeth’s situation of not being treated equally. In “The Leaving”, Lester refers to Elizabeth as “woman” instead of her actual name. Lester also demands that Elizabeth complete many of the household chores, constantly yelling at her, “How come my supper’s not read… Shut up them kids… Move them buckets…” (6). When I realized that this act of cruelty and unacceptance was solely due to someone not following what was considered “normal” in society, I decided to challenge the “normal”. Thus, I gathered with a group of a dozen males, and we all painted our nails in support of