How is Maggie presented in the play hobsons choice?

            In the play Hobson's choice, there is no doubt that the character of Maggie represents a woman who is born before her time. She has a modern way of thinking and spends the entire play braking away from convention, this modern sprit reveals its self in a way that shows that she knows her own mind and takes charge of any situations. In addition to running the house she is responsible for running the business whilst her farther avoids the hard work of either by spending his time at The Moon Rakers. Her sisters depend on her for providing a stable domestic atmosphere and her father is happy for her to assume the role of mother. Although the play was written in 1916 it is set in 1880. During that period the role or women was significantly reduced when compared to the expectations of men. Whilst Maggie's role in running the home was not unusual at the time her role in running the shop would be seen as a seriously emancipating. Her practical presence and her proud independent nature make's her a formidable figure. The Hobson family are oblivious to the hold that she has on their lives and how essential she is to their well being until she leaves. The complexity of the power struggle in the play is shown by the way that Hobson imagines he "wears the trousers" in the family and is the breadwinner, when in fact it is Maggie who runs every thing. .
             Early in the play we see Maggie's and her farther interaction and this power struggle becomes more apparent. When Hobson is leaving for the pub Maggie reminds him to be back at one o"clock dinner. Hobson replies "see here Maggie. I set the houses at this house, its one o"clock dinner because I say it is and not because you do". She is polite to his face and humours him but knows that her word is law, which is the case because as she controls more or less every thing what she says goes. Hobson reacts to her commands/instructions by defending his position as head of the house but we know that from Maggie's short reply she is not prepared to argue with him and shows that she is the one in control.