Matriarchal Might: “4000 Miles” of Feminine Perseverance, Wisdom, and Strength

Abstract

Perseverance, wisdom and strength: all very similar words, but with enough differences to shape an individual. How does the theatre treat a wise, strong matriarch who perseveres against hardship? How can things, such as strength be measured? In both brawny, physical stature and quiet confidence? And can such stereotypically masculine ideals be easily translated to a feminism outlook with an octogenarian woman as the figurehead, especially in a world where discrimination is not solely based on race/class/religion/ethnicity, but also age as well? These complex and occasionally seemingly unanswerable questions are the tools that will be used to answer and uncover the feminist meanings in Amy Herzog’s “4000 Miles”.