A Case Study on the Depiction of Female Revolutionary Figures in French Revolutionary Media and the Concept of Equality
Department
History and Political Science
Major
History
Research Advisor
DeWitt, Petra, 1961-
Fogg, Shannon Lee
Advisor's Department
History and Political Science
Second Advisor's Department
History and Political Science
Abstract
During the French Revolution, media incited action against the monarch and called for retribution for the suffering of the people. However, the French Revolution media also altered the images of women close to the Revolution. The impact of the media on the images of women like Marie Antoinette, Madame Roland and Charlotte Corday was incredible. Portraits, news articles, pamphlets, and governmental decrees among other primary sources are just some of the evidence of the depiction of women during this time. These women were scolded for being in the public sphere, attempting to gain power, and altogether acting in a masculine fashion. This resulted in them being reverted to mere objects of beauty, stripped of their gender entirely, and denied their own identities. French Revolution media shaped public opinion about the role of women, especially the attitude toward active women in France.
Biography
Nikki Breeland holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in History. She looks forward to a promising career as an attorney.
Research Category
Arts and Humanities
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Document Type
Presentation
Location
Meramec Room
Presentation Date
15 Apr 2015, 9:00 am - 9:30 am
A Case Study on the Depiction of Female Revolutionary Figures in French Revolutionary Media and the Concept of Equality
Meramec Room
During the French Revolution, media incited action against the monarch and called for retribution for the suffering of the people. However, the French Revolution media also altered the images of women close to the Revolution. The impact of the media on the images of women like Marie Antoinette, Madame Roland and Charlotte Corday was incredible. Portraits, news articles, pamphlets, and governmental decrees among other primary sources are just some of the evidence of the depiction of women during this time. These women were scolded for being in the public sphere, attempting to gain power, and altogether acting in a masculine fashion. This resulted in them being reverted to mere objects of beauty, stripped of their gender entirely, and denied their own identities. French Revolution media shaped public opinion about the role of women, especially the attitude toward active women in France.
