Out of Darkness

All of the female characters in Out of Darkness experience social, physical, and sexual vulnerability. Often beholden to a certain image as single women, and then expected to be subservient to men once they are attached to them during this particular historical period, many characters are trapped by cultural and social parameters. Naomi’s friend Tommie, though she loves her boyfriend Dwayne, is forced to placate him with sexual activity (bar actual intercourse) so he will wait for her to complete high school. Muff, only slightly older than Naomi, has one toddler, a baby, and another on the way when she is introduced, and is expected to cook, clean, and care for the house while her husband Bud works long hours in the oil fields; her only support comes from other women also living in the oil field housing. Miranda Gibbler’s father prevents her from dating the boy she likes, Gil, by interfering with his education and livelihood, and then forcing her to accompany him everywhere so he can keep an eye on her. Miranda is at the apex of social power and influence among her female peers, yet she is denied a fundamental aspect of autonomy in being unable to choose her romantic partner.