Objectification as a Defense Mechanism

The play explores how objectification, which occurs when someone is regarded as a type or object rather than a distinct person, can be used as a defense mechanism. Bill objectifies his secretary and daughter in order to dismiss them as individuals so he will not need to feel any responsibility toward them. He places Shirley initially in the category of “sexy” and then when she does not speak to him, he lumps her together with all modern “girls” who no longer wear makeup. When he orders her to put on some lipstick, he is trying to push her back into the “sexy” category, a type that he knows how to deal with. He keeps her in this category by making lewd comments about her having sex with her boyfriend so that he will not have to see her as a woman who is pregnant...