Pope Joan is the forth lady to arrive at the dinner party. Upon arrival, she ushers into the topic of religion, which is probably why Marlene invites her to that party. Joan’s history of: living in a patriarchal system as a ‘fake’ Pope, and deceiving all her followers makes a mockery out of religion itself. There is a less-than-subtle feminist attack on the traditional ways of the church. Though Joan is severely oppressed by this system, (having to pretend to be a man her entire life), she reaps the rewards of such a prestigious position (until she is discovered). Joan, unlike the other women, has minimal regrets of her life lived in costume. The events following Joan’s exposure as a woman are vague and it is a mystery as to what she does for a living presently. For dinner, Joan orders cannelloni and a salad, which nothing to start that might suggest a religious trait of moderation. It is interesting then, at the end of the first act, when stage directions state Joan is sick in the corner. It humanizes Joan, to know that she is not all knowing and godly, because she only moderates some things in her life, and indulges in others.
The choices that Marlene made in regard to giving her child to her sister are not at all limited to the choices of women. Men too, have as much capability of giving up responsibility for their child, leaving women as single mothers, or leaving children parentless. Men are far less committed to a child simply because they aren’t the ones giving birth to it. Traditionally, men have had the responsibility of, “upholding the family system,” and providing for their dependents. However, society is pushing away from the standard family structure; having a child doesn’t necessarily mean starting a family these days. A main theme Churchill hints at is: the negative impact having a child has on females in terms of career and achieving success in a patriarchal society.
Response to Janet Danks:
Janet shows clear understanding of the dinner party guests and their reflection in other characters in the following acts of the play. It was very insightful of her to point out Isabella’s remorse of her sister Hennie, whom she loved dearly, but left behind while she went journeying. Their relationship is a direct parallel to Marlene and her sister, whom Marlene burdened with a child so that she could pursue her own interests. Joan, whose ultimate demise was her child’s birth, has great reflection in context of Marlene’s life as well. Her denouncement and humiliation are symbolic of the kind of disaster that may have befallen Marlene, had she decided to keep the child.
