‘They’re Closin’ Up Girl Land’: Female Masculinities in Children’s Fantasy

Document Type

Journal Article

Role

Author

Journal Title

FemSpec

Volume

10

Issue

2

First Page

5

Last Page

23

Publication Date

2010

Abstract

This essay examines gender confusion or the testing of gender rules and roles which exist in fantasy fiction geared towards children. The novels discussed in the essay demonstrate “the constructedness of gender,” and seem to suggest that because anyone can be masculine (including girls and women), men shouldn’t be thought of as better than women, at least in the realm of masculinity. Of course, if fantasy rewards those who constantly strive to be masculine, thus keeping a good amount of “distance from femininity” (as if there is something wrong with being feminine), it would be safe to say that “masculine tyranny” would ensue, as well as sexist ideas.

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