The eighteenth-century actress : gender and agency
Actresses epitomized the pluralism of the female gender, exposing the variable images of women in their performances, painted images and in literature narrating the histories of performing women. The classification of actresses as either virtuous or immoral was not unique to professional actors and was suffered by women of all classes. And yet, with the theatrical stage as a platform to either conform or challenge conventional gender constructions, actresses possessed exclusive access to the public where they could establish alternative images of femininity. This thesis examines the methods used by actresses in exerting their influence, but also identifies the abuses actresses endured that were distinctive to their profession. Their ability to mimic the manners and fashions of the upper classes and the acceptance of actresses into elite company, demonstrated the changeable nature of what individuals viewed as class identity. The transience of successful actresses in elevating their social status, posed a threat to social hierarchy that was founded on patriarchal authority. However, in appearing to conform to prescribed gender roles that placed women as the subordinates of men, actresses manipulated their identities
Droney, Lorraine Michelle
History
The eighteenth-century actress : gender and agency. Actresses epitomized the pluralism of the female gender, exposing the variable images of women in their performances, painted images and in literature narrating the histories of performing women. The classification of actresses as either virtuous or immoral was not unique to professional actors and was suffered by women of all classes. And yet, with the theatrical stage as a platform to either conform or challenge conventional gender constructions, actresses possessed exclusive access to the public where they could establish alternative images of femininity. This thesis examines the methods used by actresses in exerting their influence, but also identifies the abuses actresses endured that were distinctive to their profession. Their ability to mimic the manners and fashions of the upper classes and the acceptance of actresses into elite company, demonstrated the changeable nature of what individuals viewed as class identity. The transience of successful actresses in elevating their social status, posed a threat to social hierarchy that was founded on patriarchal authority. However, in appearing to conform to prescribed gender roles that placed women as the subordinates of men, actresses manipulated their identities
eighteenth_century gender agency pluralism female gender expose variable image woman performance paint image literature narrate history perform woman classification either virtuous immoral unique professional actor suffer woman class yet theatrical stage platform either conform challenge_conventional gender construction possess exclusive access public could establish alternative image femininity examines method_use exert influence also_identify abuse endure distinctive profession ability manner fashion upper_class acceptance elite company demonstrate nature individual view class_identity successful elevate social_status pose threat social_hierarchy found patriarchal authority however_appear conform prescribe gender_role place woman subordinate men manipulate identity