English Language and Literature ETDs

Publication Date

12-4-1973

Abstract

American male novelists, according to the critical commonplace, have difficulty creating fully human females. Critics indict Faulkner, Hemingway, and Steinbeck as prime examples of this deficiency. Though their works represent distinct styles, focuses, and subject matters, these three writers do have some striking similarities beyond their alleged inability to allow full humanity to their female characters. They all express a pervasive disillusionment with contemporary society and project generally pessimistic world images. However, each author has certain optimistic undertones: mankind’s ability to endure is one of them. A recurrent manifestation of this theme ls the indestructible woman.

The indestructible woman, a figure present in the works of all three men, functions positively as a symbol of hope for the future. She is, in part, a product of the primitivism and the naturalism present in Faulkner, Hemingway, and Steinbeck. But, more importantly, she illustrates their inability to come to terms with the Otherness of woman. The reaction to this Otherness results in highly ambivalent characterizations which are a mixture of attraction and repulsion.

The female characterizations of each author are studied separately. While the differences among the authors dictate a somewhat different methodology for studying each, the general thrust is to examine the mythic framework within which each artist operates.

Faulkner' s characterizations of women are a result of the integration of regional and universal myths. His indestructible women are manifested in three patterns: earth goddess, Demeter-Persephone, indomitable crone. Hemingway ' s indestructible women are likewise mythic, corn goddesses and bitch goddesses; they reflect the mother figures in his life who became progressively less threatening. The indestructible women in Steinbeck ' s works are the nurturing and sustaining cells of the group animal which is Steinbeck's biological conception of the human species. In all three authors the female ' s endurance suggests a positive force for human survival.

It is true that these authors seldom present really believable female characters. Many critics, however, give this deficiency undue significance. For, in fact, the mythic nature of their works makes unrealistic characterizations predictable and even pardonable.

Degree Name

English

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

English

First Committee Member (Chair)

Hoyt Trowbridge

Second Committee Member

Robert E. Fleming

Third Committee Member

David Richard Jones

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

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