the film, because of this characterization, it is continually reinforced "that women are portrayed in an artifact in ways that accord with particular forms of male interest- they are depicted, for example, as sexual objects for men; as primarily responsible for housework, childrearing, and care giving; and as weaker of secondary to men" (Rhetorical Criticism, 170).
             Further reinforcing this depiction of women as being limited to housework is Thelma's home life with her husband. From morning until evening, her normal day revolves around a husband who demands so much but gives little to the relationship. During the film's opening sequence, the viewer sees Thelma waiting to fulfill her husband's every demand. She lives in a home where everything her husband does wrong is her fault, which makes her afraid to say anything that might create problems (this amounts to saying nothing but "yes" and "no"). The first time Thelma counters this oppression is when she decides to go on a trip without telling her husband. Interestingly, before going with Louise on this "short" trip, Thelma cannot leave without setting out a frozen dinner and a beer for her husband to have when he gets home from work. Thelma acts out of fear rather than love; her life revolves around the fear and oppression which her dominant husband causes. Thus, Thelma's oppression is established early on in the film, as her husband reinforces the status quo of male patriarchy within her life.
             In contrast with Thelma, Louise is a more independent woman. She works in a low paying job as a waitress and is inv
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