Gender Dynamics and Career Choices in "My Brilliant Career" by Miles Franklin
In "My Brilliant Career" by Miles Franklin, the protagonist, Sybylla, challenges societal norms and explores themes of gender relationships, marriage, and the concept of the New Woman. Despite the title, the novel delves into more than just Sybylla's career aspirations, examining her personal struggles, societal expectations, and the complexities of relationships in the 1890s. Franklin's depiction of the New Woman and Sybylla's defiance against societal pressures offer a unique perspective on women's roles and choices during the period.
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My Brilliant Career (1901) Miles Franklin
Miles Franklin Aka. Stella Maria Sarah Miles Franklin Wrote My Brilliant Career when she was just 16, and was so overwhelmed by the unwelcome notoriety (and criticism, particularly from her family) that she with drew it in 1910 and forbade its republication until ten years after her death. Fifth generation Australian Family of pioneers in the Australian Alps in New South Wales
Real Life Experience & 1890s Politics Bruggabrong = Brindabella Possum Gully = Stillwater Caddagat = Talbingo Movement to federate six the Australian states 1901 Australia becomes an independent commonwealth Production of an Australian nationalist identity, particularly in literature and poetry of the period
Gender Relationships Girls! Girls! Those of you who have hearts, and therefore a wish for happiness, homes and husbands by and by, never develop a reputation of being clever. It will put you out of the matrimonial running as effectually as though it had been circulated that you had leprosy. (34) How is marriage presented in the text? Who are Sybylla s only models for marriage? Is there an irony in this statement?
The New Woman I certainly was utterly different to any girl I had seen or known. What was the hot wild spirit which surged within me? [ ] I wish I would be dead. What s the good of a hateful ting like I am being alive? No one wants or cares for me. (28) Their welcome did more than all the sermons I have ever heard put together towards thawing a little of the pitiless cynicism which encrusted my heart. (43) How does Franklin represent the New Woman? How does this depiction relate to other texts on the module?
My Brilliant (?) Career Why do you think Franklin chose to call it My Brilliant Career? What is the significance of the title? Why is Sybylla s career not the focus of the text? To which career is this referring?
