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- Title
Performing Gender in the Bleeding Kansas Novels of Jane Smiley and James McBride.
- Authors
Abele, Elizabeth
- Abstract
This article discusses two novels, "The Good Lord Bird" by James McBride and "The All-True Travels and Adventures of Lidie Newton" by Jane Smiley, which delve into the historical period of Bleeding Kansas in the 1850s. The novels use humor and intertextuality to explore the complexities of this era, including slavery, racism, and violence. They challenge traditional narratives and shed light on the flaws and limitations of historical figures like John Brown and Frederick Douglass. The authors suggest that the violence and polarization of the time hindered progress and advocate for a more radical approach to achieve lasting change.
- Subjects
SMILEY, Jane, 1949-; MCBRIDE, James, 1957-; GENDER; DAUGHTERS; GENDER nonconformity; IMAGINATION; HEMORRHAGE; GENDER role; ANTISLAVERY movements; FOURTH of July celebrations; REVENGE
- Publication
Western American Literature, 2024, Vol 58, Issue 4, p325
- ISSN
0043-3462
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1353/wal.2024.a924878