A precarious pedestal: the Confederate Woman in Faulkner's 'Unvanquished.' (William Faulkner)

Article Abstract:

William Faulkner's portrayal of the Confederate Woman in 'Unvanquished' releases her from the myth that holds her on a pedestal as protector of all the Old South values. However, his image of the released Woman is not favorable because he sees women freed from the Old South values as breaking down the distinctions between male and female domains. His characters become androgynous or masculine while acquiring male power. They lose their ability to be truly female in that trespass onto male territory to the extent that they no longer warrant the title 'lady' but have instead become 'woman.'

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Kate Chopin's quarrel with Darwin before 'The Awakening.' (Charles Darwin)

Article Abstract:

Critics have failed to recognize Charles Darwin's influence on Kate Chopin's literature which is largely a meditation on Darwin's theories of natural and sexual selection. Though Chopin agrees with Darwin's general theories, she rebels against his depiction of women as inferior, modest and sexually passive. Her novel 'The Awakening' and subsequent short stories clearly demonstrate her belief in women's active participation in sexual selection that is more than just modestly choosing for social position or wealth. Chopin's female characters choose for desire regardless of propagation.

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The seductions of strange and painted women

Article Abstract:

Karen Halttunen bases her cultural and social examination of mid-19th century America on the works of Reverend Henry Ward Beecher while avoiding his lectures that would confuse her position and that he was later discredited. Beecher was accused of seducing a parishioner in opposition to all of his works, which described those who should be avoided to prevent seduction or other villany. Beecher also portrayed any public woman as a seductress and Halttunen accepts this portrayal without considering the contradictions and confusions within Beecher's logic and dualism.

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