The Edible Woman.ppt

The Edible Woman A Comic-Satirical View of Women’s Positions in Society General Question Why does Marian cry in the Park Plaza and then run away from her friends? How is Peter presented in this scene? Why does she kiss Duncan (the man at the laundromat)? Outline Background: 50’s and 60’s in Canada Society and its stagnant conformity; Examples of femininity Marian’s interview Examples of Masculinity: Peter and Len Chap 9-10: Marian’s responses Duncan and his views of cannibalism Images of Food, Eating and Body 50’s in Canada Myth of Domesticity After WW II (1945) Myth – 1) calling women back home Propaganda: “When will Mother be home again, doing what she does best, making a home for Daddy and me?” (Seen in magazines, sermons, political rhetoric, school textbooks the doctor’s advice) 2) Women as submissive to and supportive of men, domestic and nourishing 50’s in Canada Reality of Women at Work Post-War Reality – 1) many reluctant to give up their paychecks and independence; 2) in 1947 ? of Canadian women in work force; 3) poor white women, single mothers, native women, black domestic servants, etc. 4) professional jobs were largely unavailable to women; their jobs were mostly factory labour, domestic service, sales and secretary; 50’s in CanadaMyth of Femininity Sweet and sexy: Sexiness = blond, long legs, cute curls, big breasts, etc. 50’s? 60’s in CanadaChanges More young women were allowed to exter universities. 1950 -- 25 % women; The new “single girl” phenomenon. Age of first marriage started to rise slowly. ? new definitions of “femaleness” and female sexuality in the 60’s. Influence of The Feminine Mystique (1963) and the other American feminist ideas of autonomy and women’s rights. 50’s? 60’s in CanadaDomesticity Child birth: Birth control pills– began to be used in the States in 1960 Birth control advice from physicians considered illegal in Canada until 1969 ? abortion debate (pro-choice, pro-life) in the 70’s. Edible Woman: