In the reading of Mrs Warren’s Profession, I found the word “profession” is heavily weighted. In one uttered conversation Vive has with Mrs. Warren, she uses the word in a means of an honorary title. “Everybody knows my reputation, my social standing, and the profession I intend to pursue.” (Mrs Warren’s Profession) I have selected the word profession for its heavy weight it has on the story but yet its lack of use it has throughout the play.
Looking up the word “profession” in the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) yielded many meanings but two that had the greatest correlation to the play of Mrs Warren’s Profession are as stated.
Profession, n.
- An occupation in which a professed knowledge of some subject, field, or science is applied; a vocation or career, especially one that involves prolonged training and a formal qualification. Also occas. as mass noun: occupations of this kind.
- More widely; any occupation by which a person regularly earns a living.
- By the way of an occupation; professionally.
Although the word lacks great presence in the text of the play itself, its overall meaning gives way to the foreboding shadow that encompasses the story giving way to friction and hidden disapproval for such a career held by Mrs Warren. The ideal of profession used in the context of the play has great meaning as the uncovering of Mrs Warren’s profession brings forth great duress and disapproval from those around her. Vive in discovering her mother’s occupation feels that she cannot accept her mother’s help anymore for the money earned was in unacceptable fashion. And although the profession of being a prostitute was looked down upon it was still legal in a sense to let women sell their bodies and services for money. In the case of Mrs Warren her knack and determination had helped her acquire such a position to attain enough funds to pay for such things as her daughter’s clothes and trips as well as giving way to let Vive strive for her profession she intends to pursue. The profession of Mrs Warren goes well with the definition, her knowledge and experienced has helped her to be better at her job.
The word profession is a encompassing struggle of her life to bring forth prosperity to her family through a medium that does not bring great honor to herself; so that her daughter may live a life much different than her own.
-C. Monk
