Is it the journey? [SPOILERS for Doctor Who series 4 and, um, Thelma and Louise]

[blahflowers]

I have held a long term belief of the FAIL of Thelma and Louise as being female positive due to the small matter of them dying at the end of the film. But on reading this article from Julie Bindel the other day on lesbian fiction I've been wondering about this.

The "rule" of pulp fiction was that characters could indulge in wild affairs with other women, but they then had to experience a downfall. That way, lesbian stories could be published, while still appearing to condemn unnatural practices.

So, I've been wondering whether an unhappy ending negates a positive journey. Leaving aside the argument about whether T&L is at any point a good story for anyone, does the fact they have to die at the end of the film ruin the attempts to suggest a positive free existence for women in the rest of the film? I suppose, in a different context, this is what the latest series of Doctor Who ended on, although it ends with Donna being Haitiened to forget what she did, the universe still owes it's continued existence to her.

So, are there different rule at different times for the journey/destination paradox, or must the sanctified course always have a sanctified cause ((C) Ben Jonson I think)?

Comments

[beebarf.livejournal.com]

There are different rules at different times, but the times aren't always what you expect...

The Scarlet Letter c19, but set in early c17, written by a male - Hester transgresses and her punishment is designed to humiliate her and cast her out of society. Instead, she 'owns' her punishment, and decorates the scarlet letter, and becomes 'our Hester' to the townsfolk and is generally respected. She is able to support herself and her child, and I would consider her life to be a 'positive, free existence'. Meanwhile, Arthur Dimmesdale becomes eaten up with guilt, self harms and commits suicide. (but for the love of all that's holy, don't watch the film with Demi Moore...)

The Awakening - c19, written by a female - Edna trangresses on a number of counts - she's a neglectful mother and wife, her sexual/spiritual awakening is in the company of other women, and she has an affair. She seems unhappy in any relationship, and when she leaves her husband, the money that she lives on is family money, and she has to have a maid, she can't look after herself. She eventually walks into the sea, and the implication is that she commits suicide. I wouldn't necessarily call her life positive/free although it caused a scandal at the time.

The Color Purple - c20, written by a female - Celie is beaten down, but under the influence of Shug, becomes free and independent. From being the victim of transgression, she becomes the transgressor, having a sexual relationship with another woman (whilst still married), wearing pants etc. Definitely positive and free and a huge journey. The author prefers the term 'womanist' to 'feminist' by the way :o)

Ummm... can you guess my last assignment was on the role of women in American literature? :o)

[damabupuk.livejournal.com]

I am pondering your question, but in the meantime, I'm ecstatic that "Haitiened" is a verb now.