Mark Twain and the Feminine AestheticCambridge University Press, 1992 M03 5 - 205 pages This book traces the ways in which Mark Twain was formed by, and sought to manipulate, the ideology of gender. Feminine and masculine values exist via their opposition to and interplay with each other; and Twain, a representative masculine figure, provides a useful focal point for an exploration of the subject. Not only did Twain address himself directly to the conflicting and complementary aspects of gendered culture, but his models of history are strongly marked by the same issue: his exploitation of a North/male--South/female relationship is investigated, as well as his use of individual figures such as Joan of Arc. Stoneley considers the range of Twain's writing, including classic works such as Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, genteel fiction such as The Prince and the Pauper, and embittered autobiographical fragments. Twain's preoccupation with the nature and value of the "feminine" has long been recognized as a central feature of his writing. Stoneley goes beyond repeated generalizations to provide a detailed analysis; his book will be of interest to scholars and students of gender, American literature, and cultural history. |
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Adventures of Huckleberry Albert Bigelow Paine American Literature argued Ashcroft asserted attitude believe Berkeley California Press Christian Science Clara Clemens Clemens and Mark concerning context conventional critics culture death described domestic Eddy's ET&S fact female feminine aesthetic feminized fiction gender genteel girl Grangerford Harper and Brothers Henry Huttleston Rogers hereafter cited heroine Horse's Tale Huckleberry Finn humor idea ideal ideology Indians innocent instance interest Jean Jean Clemens Joan of Arc ladies letter literary lives London Lyon male Mark Twain Mary Baker Eddy masculine aesthetic Mississippi narrative nature Neider notion novel Olivia Pauper Personal Recollections pilot Prince Recollections of Joan romantic romanticism Sawyer seen sense sentimental sexual social society South Southern story suggest Susy Clemens Territorial Enterprise Tom Sawyer tradition Twain wrote Unborn Reader University of California University Press William Dean Howells woman womanhood women writing York