Thanks for your thoughts on the Penelopiad! *puts it on reading list*
I think it sounds like Helen's depiction can be explained in large parts by Penelope's point of view, though I agree that she hardly gets much agency and as such should not be blamed for things which aren't under her control. But I'm already inclined to give Atwood the benefit of the doubt when it comes to feminist things, thanks to The Handmaid's Tale. *g*
Yes, because we're consistently told by Penelope how to interpret Helen's lines and facial expressions. If you were to strip away all narration the dialogue would probably be a lot more ambiguous-- but I'd have to re-read it to make sure. This is the first book by Margaret Atwood I've read, so I only know her feminism by reputation.
I guess it's a sort of knee-jerk reaction by now-- women, and even more so friendly relationships between women, are still underrepresented in most media.
I just want positive depictions of female characters in all the thiiings.
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I think it sounds like Helen's depiction can be explained in large parts by Penelope's point of view, though I agree that she hardly gets much agency and as such should not be blamed for things which aren't under her control. But I'm already inclined to give Atwood the benefit of the doubt when it comes to feminist things, thanks to The Handmaid's Tale. *g*
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Yes, because we're consistently told by Penelope how to interpret Helen's lines and facial expressions. If you were to strip away all narration the dialogue would probably be a lot more ambiguous-- but I'd have to re-read it to make sure. This is the first book by Margaret Atwood I've read, so I only know her feminism by reputation.
I guess it's a sort of knee-jerk reaction by now-- women, and even more so friendly relationships between women, are still underrepresented in most media.
I just want positive depictions of female characters in all the thiiings.
Reply
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