Traditional Femininity in the Understanding of Fast-Talking Dames Essay

Exclusively available on Available only on IvyPanda® Made by Human No AI

Various female individuals have defied traditional femininity and its main characteristics. The character of Katherine Hepburn in the movie “Adam’s Rib” is an exceptional example of such disobedience, as she ignores the expectations towards women (Cukor, 1949). Di Battista’s (2003) statement regarding dames and traditional notions of femininity perfectly explains the behavior of the character played by Katherine Hepburn, as she disregards such notions.

The author represents the battle between female desires to behave in a certain way and social attitudes towards such actions. DiBattista (2003) argues that fast-talking dames often mock communities’ stereotypes towards respectable femininity. However, they can also ignore such attitudes when confronted with them. Altogether, fast-talking dames defy traditional norms regarding women’s actions and appearance.

Amanda is a remarkable character who ignores the social expectations on several occasions during the movie “Adam’s Rib”. In the court scene, when the woman interrogates one of the men on the subject of women’s rights, she disregards the objections towards her behavior and continues with her endeavor (Cukor, 1949).

It is important to note that in her dialogue with the judge, she speaks in a highly educated manner while maintaining a very high speed of speech (Fig. 1). Altogether, the woman is exceptionally intelligent and is pursuing a professional career, thus defying society’s expectations.

Amanda during the Court Hearing.
Fig. 1. Amanda during the Court Hearing.

Another instance of Amanda’s defiance of traditional femininity can be seen in the conversation with her husband (Fig. 2). The man says that he has to stay at work to make a quick conviction against a woman (Cukor, 1949). Amanda is especially infuriated by this event as she swiftly remarks on her husband’s boss’s wrongful behavior and her hatred towards immoral actions perpetrated by men.

Amanda Infuriated by the Decision of Her Husband’s Boss.
Fig. 2. Amanda Infuriated by the Decision of Her Husband’s Boss.

In this scene, she comes up with brilliant and intelligent answers, which would be considered inappropriate according to the morals of the 1930s. Overall, the heroine of Katherine Hepburn appears to be a fast-talking dame who often mocks and ignores the social attitudes towards feminine actions and appearance.

References

Cukor, G. (1949). Adam’s rib [Film]. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

DiBattista, M. (2003). Fast-talking dames. Yale University Press.

More related papers Related Essay Examples
Cite This paper
You're welcome to use this sample in your assignment. Be sure to cite it correctly

Reference

IvyPanda. (2022, July 3). Traditional Femininity in the Understanding of Fast-Talking Dames. https://ivypanda.com/essays/traditional-femininity-in-the-understanding-of-fast-talking-dames/

Work Cited

"Traditional Femininity in the Understanding of Fast-Talking Dames." IvyPanda, 3 July 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/traditional-femininity-in-the-understanding-of-fast-talking-dames/.

References

IvyPanda. (2022) 'Traditional Femininity in the Understanding of Fast-Talking Dames'. 3 July.

References

IvyPanda. 2022. "Traditional Femininity in the Understanding of Fast-Talking Dames." July 3, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/traditional-femininity-in-the-understanding-of-fast-talking-dames/.

1. IvyPanda. "Traditional Femininity in the Understanding of Fast-Talking Dames." July 3, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/traditional-femininity-in-the-understanding-of-fast-talking-dames/.


Bibliography


IvyPanda. "Traditional Femininity in the Understanding of Fast-Talking Dames." July 3, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/traditional-femininity-in-the-understanding-of-fast-talking-dames/.

If, for any reason, you believe that this content should not be published on our website, please request its removal.
Updated:
This academic paper example has been carefully picked, checked and refined by our editorial team.
No AI was involved: only quilified experts contributed.
You are free to use it for the following purposes:
  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
  • As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
  • As a template for you assignment
1 / 1