The novel, Hope Leslie, was considered to be ahead of its times. Throughout
the book there are foreword ideas of feminism and equality between colonists
and Native Americans, which were not prevalent at the time. Feminism is a
prominent idea in the character’s daily lives. It is illustrated through the
characters of Hope, Esther, and Magawisca. The characters of Hope and Magawisca
are most similar. They are their own person and stand up for what they believe
in. These two characters are contracted to that of Esther Downing who is described
as everything feminine and sweet which is exemplified in the quote saying, “her
sweet feminine qualities were now called into action: she watched and prayed
over her friend; and though her cheek was pale, and her eye dim, she had never
appeared half so lovely to Everell…(257).”
The other aspect making the book
ahead of its time is the idea of equality between Native Americans and the
colonists. Though it was not seen by all in the story, characters like Everell,
Hope, and Magawisca saw no difference between the two groups. In the early pages
of the novel, Everell and Magawisca fell in love despite their different races.
Throughout the book, this love deepened and led each character to break away
from his or her own race to save the other. Though these aspects of foreword
thinking were not viewed by all in the book, the existence of them was
significant in making the novel to be ahead of its time.
Elizabeth, I could not agree more. I actually was thinking the same thing throughout the reading. The feministic leadership Magawisca shows rivals that of a Hillary Clinton in the way that she is true to herself and battling the norm; not afraid to "push the envelope". Also the balance of feminism and masculine qualities you speak of are spot on. As well, it certainly seems that those three really did see no boundaries. It is sad to think that people have only advanced so little. That there is still so many boundaries of race, religion and many others. It is refreshing to see that these people we're certainly pioneers in a sense, but I can not help thinking how sad it is that barriers are still close to, if not as strong as ever before. This is such an interesting book, because even more then being ahead of it's time. It is timeless. Then, now, and really during any period of time, people of all kinds can find characters and themes to relate to. It is truly amazing how many parallels there are between a book this many years old, and now. Mind blowing really. To conclude, great post, and just a very interesting take.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth and Tyler, I also agree! Both Magawisca and Hope represented strong feminist characters in a time when Feminism was unheard of. Sedgwick, by writing about the strength of the female in accomplishing what what they wanted, and their drive in doing so provided a model for and a notion of a strong female protagonist to be read about by women of that time. This radical portrayal no doubt set fire to the growing wave of feminism in the following years.
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