The texts revolving around the “Fallen” woman reveal a female that is considered an underprivileged citizen. As the revolution brought social change, the patriarchal society of Cotton Mather no longer prevails in the literature of the post revolution.
One obvious difference is the language that is used in the Panther Narratives. Where Cotton Mather’s textual language is that of instruction, the language of the Panther Narrative is more “user” friendly and is more romantic in its tone. The text is meant to be readable to the post revolutionary man and woman. The intrigue of the western frontier of America brought with it the reader that no longer felt tied to the language of the church as an authority figure. The entertainment value of the Panther Narratives is the front runner to the dry, austere language of Cotton Mather.
The “Fallen” woman is transformed into a strong, independent woman that claims agency over her life. In “A Very Surprising Narrative of a Young Woman, Who Was Discovered in a Cave”, the female character takes on a more masculine role. She does not require the patriarchal protection of her father in order to survive. Her ingenuity and strength allow her to live in a cave alone for 9 years while maintaining her position as a “lady”. Not only does she not require a man to maintain her existence, the story “allows” this young woman to rebel against her father and run off with her lover. This type of language or story line would have been considered heresy in Cotton Mather’s day!
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2 comments:
Hi, Dorenda,
I think your observations on the changes in the language of the Cotton Mather and Panther texts is so insightful. Reading the Panther Narrative, I also found the tone to be more romantic. I was especially struck by the romantic (and unrealistic) portrayal of the young woman; despite living in a cave for nine years, she remains a beautiful "lady" who sings, swoons, and hospitably serves her guests "Indian cake"!
Your last paragraph directly reflects my own observations about how the female in this narrative is finally able to move out from under patriarchal authority. However, I didn't think about her taking on a masculine role, and I'm glad you brought attention to that. It shows an even further removal from the Puritan perspective of Cotton Mather!
Hi Dorenda,
Nice post! I thought the observation you made about the changing nature of the diction and syntax of the texts (i.e. the texts become progressively more "readable") and the expanding nature of the audience was particularly interesting. One would seem to have something to do with the other; it would make sense to write in a less pedantic manner for a more general, everyday audience than for a more elite one (i.e. the move from Puritan conversion narratives to more "entertaining" adventure narratives). Perhaps this diminishing focus on religious conversion, etc. in favor of more entertaining tales is indicative of America moving toward a more secular society.
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