An Exploration of Some Bad Women in American Literature
Welcome to Philip Tracy's "bad women" website. The purpose of this website is to introduce the reader to the concept of the "bad woman." Primarily, this website will focus on a few bad women found in American Literature,as well as the authors that created them. The literary works that are incorporated into this page are: Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, by Harriet Jacobs, Passing, by Nella Larsen, Sula , by Toni Morrison, and I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem, by Maryse Conde.
It is important to recognize the "bad women" in American literature as they have done much to shape American literature. American literature has played, and continues to play, a role in how Americans look at their world. Thus, the character of the "bad woman" has an influence on the views of we Americans.
Before delving into th e world of the "bad woman," one should first examine the "bad women" that exist in his/her own life. Finding examples of "bad women" is not a very hard task. This is because there are many definitions, connotations, and ideas that follow the term "bad woman." The only universal standard for a "bad woman" to follow is that she must work against the norm. However, there are all sorts of norms. The result is that there are "bad women" of all kinds. Some are big or small, fat or s kinny, have long hair or short hair. Others are foolish while some are brilliant. "Bad women" can be mothers and Sunday school teachers. They can be found at church while others in grocery stores and pawn shops.
Some women that are suggested to be "bad" by certain American social groups include Janet Reno, Dianne Feinstein, Hillary Clinton, Rosie O'Donnell, Chyna and Martha Stewart. Keep in mind that even though these women may be "bad" to some, they may be a beacon of light and goodness to others. Martha Stewart may be seen as a phony, who treats her staff like a slave master treats his slaves, while others see her as the perfect woman. Hillary Clinton, according to many southerners, would be the perfect candidate for the role of "bad woman." Some say she is a state-shopping carpetbagger, while others believe she is outright evil. She too has her supporters; especially in liberal dominated New York. Many supporters see Mrs. Clinton as a champion of the elderly and single working women.
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JanetReno |
Dianne Feinstein |
Hillary Clinton |
Rosie O'Donnell |
Chyna |
Martha Stewart |
Knowing examples of possible "bad women" in real life can help you identify the "bad women" in literature, and vice-versa. To get a glimpse of "bad women" in American literature, continue on with this site by clicking one of the links below. Each link leads to a page on one of the four authors I have included on this site. On each page is biographical information on an author, an overview of some criticism of the author, and an analysis of the "bad women" found in one of their novels.
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After having read through my writings on different "bad women," I hope tha t you have a better understanding of the role "bad women" have in American literature. I also hope that your idea of the "bad woman" has grown in some way. After having been introduced to examples of literary "bad women," it should no longer be hard for you to pick "bad women" out of other literature. Hopefully you can make good decisions on whether to consider a woman in real life "bad" or not. Perhaps you are a woman, and after having read through my site you now consider yourself "bad." Or perhaps you realize you are definitley good. Whatever the case may be, I hope this site was informative to you in some way.
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If you have any questions or comments about the site. I can always improve it.
I got my pictures from these web sites.
If you have any questions or comments about the site. I can always improve it.
I got my pictures from these web sites.