Week #3: Dracula & gender criticism.

On with Dracula!

This week, you're reading about gender criticism. Make sure you're clear on what is meant by "gender" in these essays. Think about gender in light of the Victorian era's gender issues, rather than from your modern perspective. (I know it's hard not to be judgmental about it, but keep in mind historical context, eh?) Also, note any questions you have about either the theory or Dracula.

Some useful questions to ask in gender criticism that you may want to apply here:

How does this text encode/construct a cultural standard of femininity and masculinity?

How does this text subvert contemporary cultural standards of femininity and masculinity?

How do the genders or sexual orientations featured in the text intersect with social status or ethnic identity or national identity?

In what ways is gender performed in this text, both consciously and unconsciously?

One thing I'd like to see more of, both in your posts and in your journals, is the use of textual evidence. When you make a point about the novel and/or the theory, back it up with a quote or example. Follow that up with analysis of your evidence--in other words, how does it illustrate the point you were trying to make? Don't just assume that your reader will understand automatically what you're talking about.

I expect everyone to come in on Thursday prepared for discussion of Dracula and of the criticism! Have a great weekend and I'll see you next week.