Du Maurier and Dick’s novels both explore social tensions and conflicts and are driven by different authorial concerns. Female characters are largely in conflict with the masculine narrative perspectives in Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? yet take charge in Frenchman’s Creek due to Dona’s narrative voice. These novels investigate elements of gender and class oppression in different ways through perspectives which are filtered through science-fiction and historical romance, as seen with the class prejudice underlining the stories in ways of boredom and mockery in Frenchman’s Creek or struggle in Androids.
The two main female characters in Androids represent roles to which women are confined. Rachael, in a “femme fatale” role, seduces Rick to get him to stop retiring the rogue androids and proudly proclaims of previous successes “No bounty hunter ever has gone on.after being with me”. The role of the femme fatale explores how women are ‘forced’ to sexual dominance to overcome the mighty masculine presence as seen with Rick. On the other hand, Rick’s wife Iran, the “housekeeper” is highlighted in marital disputes, defining her character’s domestic identity. Iran’s character contrasts Rick’s opportunity as the protagonist to expose the limitations on women. The split of society in Androids exacerbates the…show more content… Nonetheless, it is through class privilege that created Dona’s opportunity, emphasising the lack of opportunity and control over her life that Dona has because of her gender. In Androids, the story bases women off of two stereotypes and limits their significance in their actions whilst also stirring up poor relations with men, most notably through Iran and Rick. This resembles Frenchman’s Creek, which comments on the feminine disadvantage, forcing Dona to tap into her class
