What is the "type" presented in this depiction of Italian women? What assumptions does it make about female character or even about the process of or methodology behind characterizing people? Is it positive or negative, something for English women to emulate or reject? Why, as with the essay on marriage, would this be interesting to readers in 1847? (Can you think of a similar type of publication today, a modern-day equivalent to reading a seemingly straightforward description of women in another country?) This article was published in the London Pioneer: a journal that was originally called The Penny Satirist. Is it, in fact, satirical, and if so, to what purpose? (May 6, 1847).
The article seems to describe Italian women as more noble and refined in terms of intellect and values in contrast to the flighty and petty English women.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, it seems this article is satirical of the English rather than the Italians. The Italian women are implicitly juxtaposed to the English ladies of the day, and the article serves to show the shallow mindedness of the English women at the time. For example, the author uses the Italian woman as a contrast to show that often, English ladies were shallowly interested in military men who were often seen as dashing or handsome.
I agree with Ann. The Italian woman here seems much desired by the author, as a refined, yet seemingly humble woman--unlike many of her English counter parts.
ReplyDeleteI also think that, in a way this dehumanizes women to an extent. By classifying all women from one country as a certain way, it takes away their individuality and treats them as objects (it seems that an Italian woman in this article is one to be acquired). We have seen this kind of classifying based on nationality before in our reading, such as when Becky's French parentage, she is looked down upon. In 1848 it seems as though the English were quick to stereotype, and it was deemed socially acceptable.
What struck me in reading this piece was the assumption that there is such a thing as "Italian women" who can all be expected to embody certain characteristics - sensitivity, a consciousness of their own intellectual shortcomings and somewhat homely. This makes me want to believe it is a satire, but given the time period and the belief that one's character can be read through one's physical appearance, it strikes me as just the typical stereotyping of other "races" at the time.
ReplyDeleteIn a lot of ways, it reminded me of the way certain modern publications - especially Esquire - regularly write about women. Esquire had an issue last year called the "Women" issue with a range of articles meant to describe the modern-day "woman." It included a number of charming, seemingly insightful and accurate depictions of women, much the way that in this piece, a description of having a "delicate style of beauty" or "an oyster-like fondness for home" could be seen as a more or less flattering understanding of the "true nature" of Italian women. The Esquire piece, however, then went on to say address certain "truths" to women, such as "You're not as funny as you think you are." This piece does the same - points out certain negative "truths" (the mental deficiency, for example) in a way that appears to paint a full portrait of a nation of women. With the similarities between the two articles - even 160 years apart - it does not surprise me that English readers in 1847 would have enjoyed reading a depiction of a foreign land full of delightful women who remain, nevertheless, inferiors.
As Rachel said, this kind of stereotyping - on the surface, perhaps harmless, because it includes positive qualities as well - robs women of their individuality. Here, the women are treated as the "other" both for being Italian and, of course, for being women.
It isn't really all that complimentary a description of Italian women. The author is careful to note that whatever regard Italian women have for intellect, it is superstitious and owing their own lack of intellectual capacity. It admits that they are beautiful and of naturally good taste, but counters this by describing their foolishness with money and parochial habits. So I don't think it's really an indictment of English woman. In choosing between the two, according to the author, you might find simple beauty and a regard for wit on the Italian side, but self-sufficience and worldliness on the English one. The English shallowness would be countered by Italian unreliability.
ReplyDeleteWhat is strange to me about this article is how unrecognizable the stereotypes are. It's hard to reconcile what the author is saying with the associations that I, as a 21st century American, have with Italians and Italian culture.
I would agree with Sam. Although the description seems to be favoring "Italian women", if there can even be such a stereotype of such a broad group of people. The compliments seemed to be backhanded compliments. As Sam noted, when talking of their intellect, the author says that it is superstitious intellect. This article does provide a commentary of what people may have thought of English women and Italian women at the time. The author uses the English women and the ways in which they are typically portrayed to create a visual image of what Italian women were like. Although at times it seems as if the author is favoring Italian women, the compliments seem to be backhanded ones.
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