Themes

Feminism

The main theme of the short story “Mink” by Marina Warner is feminism. Within this wider theme, Marina Warner explores issues related to gender roles, the power of glamour, and social changes.

Feminism is broadly defined as advocating for women's rights and equality with men. The story explores feminism by looking at women’s frustrations in the 1950s with only being housewives and mothers, and at their desire to also find fulfilment in other ways, such as through financial independence and glamour. The story also looks at later generations of women and how the aims and ideals of feminism have moved on.

Charm and glamour as women’s weapons

The story follows Donna, a stay-at-home mother in the 1950s in the UK.  Although she fulfils a traditional role, tending to her children and husband, Donna also values being glamorous and elegant. As the narrator observes, beauty and elegance were women’s power in the conservative society they lived in: “This was power. I practised making eyes at myself in the mirror, dipping my head like a moorhen. When Ricky tried too, she just looked fierce.” (ll. 44-45); “Donna Sarto wasn’t going to settle for tassels or tippets (...) She wanted a fur coat, one that enfolded her head to toe, that swung along under its own supple density as she stepped out.” (ll. 46-49).

By wanting to be elegant, Donn...