For years, films and theatrical works have been used as a mirror of society, to reflect or even to influence people's behavior. Films depicting heroes and heroines are used to represent an ideal world and to project fantasies. The comic world is filled with male heroes who either fight crime or are patriots fighting for the nation. The first comic heroine to make an appearance in a DC Comic book was Wonder Woman, created in 1941.
Wonder Woman is one of the most visible and powerful superheroines. Born out of feminist ideals and concepts, she represents and embodies feminism and the strength of women. Her creation at the height of the turn of the 19th/20th century during an intense feminist movement was meant to resonate with women at a time when they were first beginning to get out of the kitchen to join the workforce.
Although Wonder Woman’s story has changed over the years, her feminist background and ideals are still evident. There is no question that the 2009 film, when compared with the 1950s version, displays a story shaped by feminist ideas; however, the 2009 version of Wonder Woman also has a strong anti-feminist component.
In this essay, I will discuss the feminist components in the Wonder Woman story in the 1950s and compare it to those depicted in the 2009 animated film featuring Wonder Woman. I will also look at the anti-feminist ideas incorporated in the animated film.
This analysis is divided into six sections: the Introduction, Wonder Woman’s Historical Back-ground, Wonder Woman in the 1950s, Wonder Woman in 2009, Anti-Feminism in 2009 and Conclusion.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Wonder Woman's Historical Background
- Wonder Woman in the 1950s
- Wonder Woman in 2009 and Comparison to 1950s
- Anti-Feminist Components in 2009
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay analyzes the evolution of Wonder Woman's portrayal, comparing her depiction in the 1950s with the 2009 animated film. The objective is to examine the feminist and anti-feminist elements present in these different iterations of the character, highlighting how societal expectations and the comic industry's self-regulation influenced her narrative.
- The evolution of Wonder Woman's character and its reflection of changing societal views on women.
- The impact of the Comics Code Authority on Wonder Woman's portrayal.
- The contrasting feminist and anti-feminist themes present in different versions of Wonder Woman's story.
- Wonder Woman as a symbol of female empowerment and its complexities.
- The influence of William Moulton Marston's personal life and feminist beliefs on Wonder Woman's creation.
Chapter Summaries
Wonder Woman's Historical Background: This section details Wonder Woman's creation in 1941 by psychologist William Moulton Marston. It explores her Amazonian origins, emphasizing the feminist utopian ideal of Paradise Island and the significance of the Amazons' freedom from male domination. Marston's feminist beliefs and personal life, including his polyamorous relationship, are presented as key influences on the character's initial conception. The chapter highlights how Wonder Woman was designed to challenge traditional gender roles and inspire self-confidence in both boys and girls, utilizing her strength and compassion as powerful tools. The context of World War II and the changing role of women in society are also explored as contributing factors to Wonder Woman's creation and initial portrayal.
Wonder Woman in the 1950s: This section contrasts Wonder Woman's powerful initial portrayal with her significantly altered representation in the 1950s. The influence of the Comics Code Authority and post-war societal pressures are discussed, explaining how Wonder Woman became more domesticated, losing her independence and strength to fit a more traditional feminine role. The chapter analyzes the impact of this shift on her narrative and visual representation, highlighting how she was depicted as less powerful and more reliant on male characters. The loss of feminist themes and the shift towards romance storylines are explored, emphasizing the era's impact on her character development. The chapter also briefly examines instances where Wonder Woman is depicted as bound, which while initially interpreted as a commentary on societal expectations of women, also raised controversies.
Keywords
Wonder Woman, Feminism, Anti-feminism, Comics Code Authority, Gender Roles, Superheroines, William Moulton Marston, 1940s, 1950s, 2009, Social Commentary, Amazon, Female Empowerment, Post-World War II, Comics, Graphic Novels
Wonder Woman: A Comparative Analysis of Feminist and Anti-Feminist Themes
What is the purpose of this essay?
This essay analyzes the evolution of Wonder Woman's portrayal, comparing her depiction in the 1950s with the 2009 animated film. The objective is to examine the feminist and anti-feminist elements present in these different iterations of the character, highlighting how societal expectations and the comic industry's self-regulation influenced her narrative.
What are the key themes explored in this essay?
Key themes include the evolution of Wonder Woman's character reflecting changing societal views on women; the impact of the Comics Code Authority on her portrayal; the contrasting feminist and anti-feminist themes in different versions; Wonder Woman as a symbol of female empowerment and its complexities; and the influence of William Moulton Marston's personal life and feminist beliefs on her creation.
What topics are covered in the "Wonder Woman's Historical Background" chapter?
This chapter details Wonder Woman's creation in 1941 by William Moulton Marston, exploring her Amazonian origins and the feminist utopian ideal of Paradise Island. It examines Marston's feminist beliefs and personal life as key influences, highlighting how Wonder Woman was designed to challenge traditional gender roles. The context of World War II and the changing role of women in society are also discussed.
What does the "Wonder Woman in the 1950s" chapter discuss?
This chapter contrasts Wonder Woman's initial portrayal with her altered 1950s representation. It discusses the influence of the Comics Code Authority and post-war societal pressures, explaining how she became more domesticated and less independent. The impact of this shift on her narrative and visual representation, including the loss of feminist themes and the shift towards romance storylines, is analyzed. The chapter also briefly examines instances where Wonder Woman is depicted as bound, and the controversies surrounding those depictions.
What is the focus of the comparison between Wonder Woman in the 1950s and 2009?
The essay compares Wonder Woman's portrayal in the 1950s with the 2009 animated film to highlight the evolution of her character and the shifting feminist and anti-feminist themes present in these different versions. It examines how societal expectations and self-regulation within the comics industry shaped her narrative across different eras.
What are the key terms associated with this analysis?
Key terms include: Wonder Woman, Feminism, Anti-feminism, Comics Code Authority, Gender Roles, Superheroines, William Moulton Marston, 1940s, 1950s, 2009, Social Commentary, Amazon, Female Empowerment, Post-World War II, Comics, and Graphic Novels.
What is the overall structure of the document?
The document provides a comprehensive language preview including a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. This allows for a structured and professional analysis of the themes present in Wonder Woman's portrayal throughout different time periods.
- Citar trabajo
- Rafaela Gomes Matos (Autor), 2016, Wonder Woman. Sexism then, Feminism now?, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/343169
