Tuesday, September 29, 2009
The Hidden Hand
As most students in this class will probably do, I have decided to use the excerpt from The Hidden Hand on page 179 that says, "...whether a girl in boy's clothes, or men's clothes, or soldier's clothes...treat her with the delicacy due to womanhood, sir! ay, and the tenderness owed to childhood! for she is but a bit of poor, friendless, motherless, fatherless child, lost and wandering in your great Babylon!" In this one excerpt, there is so much of the quintessential characterstics of the typical nineteenth century children's novel. For starters, Southworth of course bring up the typical stereotypes that surround gender roles, and how girls and boys should be raised differently. Girls are not supposed to do any work using their hands and are not supposed to partake in hard, blue-coller labor. This is why poor Capitola had to disguise herself as a boy so she could make an independent living for herself because she was an orphan in the city. Society wanted to teach girls to be like little Ellen Montgomery, who did as she was told, wore pretty dresses, and took care of the home. Independent figures like Capitola were unheard of until this novel, which was probably very refreshing for readers. Along with the assumed gender roles, this passage also references the Bible by talking about Babylon. Yet another important characterstic of novels written at this time, faith was of the upmost importance. And while the story doesn't quote it quite as directly as other works of literature, there are still subtle undertones that tell teh audience that Christian values must be enstilled. This was probably my favorite book to read in this class simply because it finally showcased a young girl with some sass and gumption.
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I agree during this time most of the world wanted girls to act proper and not to be diffrent. I mean lets face it many people are afraid of radical change. Figures like Capitola represent that change, it is just said to see her change due to money. It seemed as if wealth made her conform into being a regular streotypical woman and not the hard worker she was striving to be making her own living.
ReplyDeleteIn my blog I also mentioned how Capitola differs from say Ellen Montgomery or Gerty. She is a very independent child and this is quite the opposite of what we've previously been reading. I really enjoyed reading your post!
ReplyDeleteI agree that much of the quote you used from page 179 has many of the important characteristic of a 19th century children's novel. I enjoyed how you used ellen montgomery as an example about what society wanted the typical young lady to be like. It is true that characters like Capitola were unheard of at the time, however I feel like she becomes more of a character that 19th century literature is used to as the novel progresses. I am talking about the way she begins to change as money and clothes and a pony are being given to her. You can begin to see her transition from an independent witty young girl, to a materialistic spoiled one; an image 19th century readers are accustomed to.
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your blog because it is so true and reminds me how different our society is today from how it used to be. Back then girls were not expected for fend for themselves and were just supposed to take care of the house and be a good wife while raising kids. Now women are allowed to go out into the world and be someone. It was refreshing to see this comparison in your essay.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comments about Ellen Montgomery and her status as the stereotypical girl. Though, maybe it was just me, but I didn't really feel like Capitola's cross-dressing incident had as much to do with children's roles as gender roles.
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