Calamity Jane: The Heroine of Whoop-up and Gender Norms
Calamity Jane, a character possibly based on a real woman, Martha Jane Cannary, broke gender barriers through her wild adventures. The role of gender in her portrayal, the hero vs. heroine dynamic, and the defiance of gender norms in the story are explored. The background, imagery, and figurative language surrounding Calamity Jane depict her as both graceful and daring, challenging traditional gender expectations.
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The Deadwood Dick Library: Calamity Jane: The Heroine of Whoop-up
Background on Calamity Jane The character, Calamity Jane, may have been based on a real woman in history Martha Jane Cannary Probably born around 1852 Commonly known for her unusual sense of style and masculine attributes Sharp-shooting, whiskey swilling, and cross-dressing ways (Biography 1) Had many wild adventures-known as the female hero or heroine of her time Broke gender barriers Allegedly had a relationship with the well-known Western legend: Wild Bill Hickok Although she had a rough exterior, many claimed she had a softer side Possible marriage and children
Role of Gender in Calamity Jane Imagery and Figurative Language: Focus on appearance, especially with the women throughout the dime novel She was a possessor of a form both graceful and womanly, and a face that was particularly handsome and attractive (Wheeler 3) You look too much like a girl to be a boy (Wheeler 7) Repetition of dare-devil and wild
Men and Women in Calamity Jane Hero vs. Heroine Calamity Jane vs. Sandy I have been your protector so far-I ll see you safe through (Wheeler 19) Calamity, my dear girl, how can I ever repay you for your heroic effort in my behalf? (Wheeler 27) Ending-Confirming and Defying Gender Norms Marriage of Sandy and Edna Jennie Forest remains Calamity Jane and is the heroine of the story
Works Cited Picture Slide 3: http://www.historynet.com/the-calamities-of-calamity-jane.htm Picture Slide 1: http://dimenovels.lib.niu.edu/islandora/object/dimenovels%3A22037#page/1/mode/1up Sources: N.A. Calamity Jane Biography. Biography.com, A&E Television Networks, Feb. 12 2015, http://www.biography.com/people/calamity-jane-9234950 Wheeler, Edward. Deadwood Dick on Deck; Or Calamity Jane, The Heroine of Whoop-up. The Deadwood Dick Library, New York 21 June 1899: 4-41. NIU University Library. Web. 2 Apr 2017. http://dimenovels.lib.niu.edu/islandora/object/dimenovels%3A22037#page//mode/1up Russell, Ona. What's in a Name Anyway?: The Calamity of Calamity Jane. American Studies, vol. 35, no. 2, 1994, pp. 21 38., www.jstor.org/stable/40642685.
