Strong Literary Ladies:
Heroines, Harridans, or Hussies?
What We Will Do in This Class
~Read the two plays and two novels listed below; the reading will be spread out over the ten weeks.
~After looking at the individual plays and novels, we shall then focus on the role of the "strong literary lady" and discuss her presentation, purpose, and foil(s) in the work. We might try our hand at a little acting as well.
~Read the occasional short story, essay, or literary excerpt whose link will be posted on this website.
~Discuss the writers who created these characters and the ethos of the time periods in which works were created.
~Watch selected film clips that feature the characters whom we are considering.
~Analyze, debate, and discuss issues with the same spirit of the literary ladies we are considering.
Some of the questions we may consider:
~How would the short story/play/novel be different if the female protagonists were different?
~What happens when female characters break cultural and gender barriers?
~What traits do these characters share?
~Why are some of the behaviors and attitudes applauded in male characters vilified in their female counterparts?
~What are common literary tropes found in works featuring strong women?
~What about the men in these movies, stories, plays, and novels?
What We Will Read in This Class:
(See emailed weekly schedule for more specifics)
William Faulkner, "A Rose for Emily" (on-line)
Henrik Ibsen, Hedda Gabler ( ISBN-13: 978-1495220968) CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (January 16, 2014), $4.79 (or kindle edition free for Amazon Prime members)
Tennessee Williams, The Glass Menagerie (ISBN-13: 978-0811214049), New Directions (1999), $7.47.
Toni Morrison, Sula ( ISBN-13: 978-1400033430) Vintage, 2004, $8.92)
Ron Rash, Serena (ISBN-13: 978-0061470844) Ecco, 2009)
The strong literary women we shall encounter in this class
~are memorable.
~have a large share of page/stage time.
~are trying to accomplish something major.
~affect other characters and the action of
the work in significant ways.
~are highly motivated.
~have some significant character flaws.
~behave in ways that do not conform to the
gender conventions of their day.
~are memorable.
~have a large share of page/stage time.
~are trying to accomplish something major.
~affect other characters and the action of
the work in significant ways.
~are highly motivated.
~have some significant character flaws.
~behave in ways that do not conform to the
gender conventions of their day.