Venomous Woman: Fear of the Female in Literature
This work demonstrates the ways in which a complex of ideas with a misogynistic basis relates to the image of the venomous woman—the woman who uses poisons or potions, who has a relationship with a venomous animal, or who is herself poisonous. Hallissy suggests that the venomous woman is an image of feminine power reflected in masculine fear. The study concentrates on periods when ignorance of the medicinal effects of poisons exaggerated the potency of this image. It examines works of literature which span a large period of time but are linked by this persistent image. Through its examination of the venomous women, it clarifies the function of misogyny as an expression of masculine fear.
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Venomous Woman: Fear of the Female in Literature
This work demonstrates the ways in which a complex of ideas with a misogynistic basis relates to the image of the venomous woman—the woman who uses poisons or potions, who has a relationship with a venomous animal, or who is herself poisonous. Hallissy suggests that the venomous woman is an image of feminine power reflected in masculine fear. The study concentrates on periods when ignorance of the medicinal effects of poisons exaggerated the potency of this image. It examines works of literature which span a large period of time but are linked by this persistent image. Through its examination of the venomous women, it clarifies the function of misogyny as an expression of masculine fear.
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Venomous Woman: Fear of the Female in Literature

Venomous Woman: Fear of the Female in Literature

by Margaret Hallissy
Venomous Woman: Fear of the Female in Literature

Venomous Woman: Fear of the Female in Literature

by Margaret Hallissy

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Overview

This work demonstrates the ways in which a complex of ideas with a misogynistic basis relates to the image of the venomous woman—the woman who uses poisons or potions, who has a relationship with a venomous animal, or who is herself poisonous. Hallissy suggests that the venomous woman is an image of feminine power reflected in masculine fear. The study concentrates on periods when ignorance of the medicinal effects of poisons exaggerated the potency of this image. It examines works of literature which span a large period of time but are linked by this persistent image. Through its examination of the venomous women, it clarifies the function of misogyny as an expression of masculine fear.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780313259197
Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date: 11/11/1987
Series: Contributions in Women's Studies , #87
Pages: 183
Product dimensions: 6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile: 1280L (what's this?)

About the Author

MARGARET HALLISSY is a Professor of English at Long Island University.

Table of Contents

Preface: Secret Weapon
Introduction: Archetypes and Stereotypes
Mother Eve and Other Death-Dealers
Venefica: Healer and Witch
Woman and the Serpent
Conclusion: Beatrice Rappaccini

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