Get Carter

Edna

Edna represents the most powerful, independent woman in the film, as she owns her own business and lives without a man. Yet when Jack enters and disregards her power, she submits and reverts to traditional, pre 1960s roles for women. Jack gives her orders ‘make us a cup of tea’ and for doing this he offers her the reward of ‘I might let you watch’. The fact that he is able to control her in her own home and place of business just because of his male status reflects the gender inequality during the 1970s. The mythological effect that the 'swinging sixties' had did not affect mainstream society especially not in the North of England where the working class is most prominent so men feel they are especially more powerful compared to women as they are working more to provide for families.  

Edna is a woman who lives alone and without the company of a man, which during the time many traditional men would view as an unattractive property as it shows her independence and self-reliance. We may be implied to think that she does not need a man yet however during the narrative she serves Jack in many ways, evolving from the basic provision of shelter, then food and finally resulting in sex. This fits with 1970s expectations because if there was a strong independent female character that did not need a man to live comfortably it would be met with reproach and not be understood by the audience. By this, we can see that she is not an active character like Jack; she is a passive character who provides help for Jack when he dictates that it should be so.