“Strange Adventure"

"Gender Criticism In “Strange Adventure” by Sara Craven: The Traditional Gender Norms at Play Between Lacey Vernon and Troy Andreakis"

A literary criticism by Terese Largo

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” This is the striking opening line of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, as a representation of the ideal ‘advantageous’ marriage by the time this was written. Classical novels are known for challenging–mostly portraying–traditional gender norms that have been practiced and reinforced in the past. However, ‘Strange Adventure’ by Sara Craven was written in the seventies–during the second wave of the feminist movement. Despite that, the traditional gender roles strongly apply to almost every single character in the book. This is seen more particularly between the two main characters: Lacey Vernon and Troy Andreakis.

True to Austen’s words, the premise of the story is exactly that: a single man in possession of a good fortune who is in want of a wife–which is why Lacey and Troy’s characters are entirely built around the presence of these traditional gender norms. Lacey is a timid girl who is transferred by her stepmother to study in a convent and engage in activities befitting of a ‘lady’, then taken out and groomed into becoming a bride to a wealthy man she had never met in order to save her father’s business from ruin. That alone is a strong representation of how women themselves were seen as dowries towards the other party of the marriage, with little to no regard to their personal wishes. Despite Lacey resisting his affections and telling her father how much the state of affairs have made her uncomfortable, her father only reassured her by alluding to her feminine looks and disposition and how that must make Andreakis desire her as a wife even more. Andreakis himself shows considerable signs of performing his ‘man-ness’ during his formal introduction with Lacey. He nonchalantly makes physical contact with her and closes in on her personal space, as per the stereotype of men being ‘opportunistic’ and ‘being the one to make the first move in the relationship’. He also frequently attempts–and eventually succeeds–at establishing dominance over Lacey even through his words. Troy is often seen calling her, “Lacey mou”, which is the Greek term for “My Lacey”, implying his acquisition of her despite the fact that they are not formally married. Without these traditional gender norms that their characters strongly play into, the premise that their relationship is built upon would not exist. Lacey Vernon and Troy Andreakis were molded to fit into them.

Lacey fits into the ‘subservient woman’ stereotype while Andreakis fits into the “domineering man” stereotype. Despite Lacey’s sporadic rebellious outbursts towards him, we find them to be short-lived whenever he acts violent towards her or even shows the mildest signs of aggression. In reaction to this, Lacey almost immediately concedes and puts her desires and opinions aside so that Troy, the stronger individual, can have his way with the situation. They frequently engage in this one-sided power play throughout the story and it is always in the context of how powerful Troy seemed–in a biological and psychological sense–than the younger and powerless Lacey Vernon. To cite an example of this:

“Say that you belong to me.” There was a fierce quietness in the words he ground out against her lips. “Tell me that you’re mine, and that you will be my wife.”

“Yes,” she said. Her body was trembling now in reaction, and there was a sharp bitterness of tears in her throat. Tears of shame, she thought, at her own weakness, at the wantonness she had not known she possessed. (Craven, 1977, p.82)

Lacey is always made aware of her own weaknesses through Troy’s persistent display of dominance–be it through violence or through words. Troy also evidently forces her to say things she may not mean to say at the moment and it is largely for his own benefit. They truly fit into the stereotype of how women should be demure and how men should be the authoritarian in the relationship.

The traditional gender norms at play between the characters are evident from start to finish. Notwithstanding the gradual prevalence of women’s rights during this time, the presence of gender norms in this book still remains as it has been repeated and continuously reproduced over time in both social and cultural contexts. While it is not inherently wrong to follow gender norms, as some of them can be healthy and empowering, it is not right to perpetuate malpractices that exploit the weaknesses of any gender. For instance, Lacey Vernon may have had a happy ending with Troy Andreakis at the end of the story and their relationship may have vastly improved, but it does not excuse the fact that Troy should have treated Lacey’s opinions and Lacey herself with more respect from the very beginning. On the other hand, Lacey should have tried to be more resolute and true to her desires despite Troy’s intimidations. While such practices may not be so common in the 21st century anymore, we must remain open-minded and become aware of the changes that occur in our society with regards to gender norms as dictated by culture and society.