Sir. Edna O'Brien's humble admission that she is now more sympathetic towards men than in the past is a relief in an age when radical feminists want to challenge them aggressively. It was interesting that she referred to Heathcliff, and her assumption that we were all compared to this fictional character in the past was not complimentary.
In fact, like Heathcliff, men too are victims of their environment and are just as vulnerable as women. Our genetic make up also has an effect on the manner in which we behave, and female influences, whether young or old, can contribute to the violence done to women. It can be either the power of a matriarch or spouse, perhaps partner, that generates this resentment and ultimate behaviour to women.
Like Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights, we are neither mad or bad, merely victims of a female society that continuously strives to overthrow the male species. Not all women, however, are a part of this New Age conspiracy and Edna O'Brien's support is welcome. - Yours, etc.,
Marian Place,
Cahirciveen,
Co Kerry.