Feminism
What does feminism strive to empower women to do?
To realise their full rights.
In what year was "Spotty-Handed Villainesses" delivered?
1994.
What is the main subject Atwood addresses in the speech?
Atwood explores the role of female villains in literature and the importance of moral complexity in female characters.
Identify one literary technique Atwood uses to engage her audience.
She employs humour through anecdotes and ironic commentary to make her points more relatable and engaging.
What is the stage of writing where students generate and explore concepts through discussion and speculation?
the pre-writing stage
According to IWDA (International Women's Development Agency), what does feminism involve respecting?
Diverse women’s experiences, identities, knowledge, and strengths.
According to Atwood, what is a common dichotomy in the depiction of female characters?
The polarity between virtuous and monstrous female figures.
Why does Atwood argue that literature should include “bad” women?
Because complex, flawed female characters reflect real human behaviour and give women the same literary depth afforded to men.
How does Atwood use allusion in her speech?
Atwood references well-known literary works and characters, such as Shakespeare's Macbeth, to draw parallels and highlight the historical portrayal of women in literature.
Which three devices might students experiment with to evoke emotion and shape perspective in their writing?
allusion, imagery, and tone
Which of the following is an example of feminist advocacy?
a) Promoting only women-led businesses
b) Campaigning for equal parental leave for all genders
c) Encouraging men to dominate workplace leadership
b) Campaigning for equal parental leave for all genders.
How does Atwood's assertion that "art is what you can get away with" relate to her discussion on female characters?
It suggests that writers should challenge conventional norms and expectations, especially regarding the portrayal of women, to create more authentic and multifaceted characters.
How does Atwood use humour and anecdote to engage her audience?
She uses wit and personal observations to make her speech relatable and to soften the critique, encouraging reflection without alienation.
How does Atwood’s use of rhetorical questions function within the speech?
Rhetorical questions challenge the audience to reconsider preconceived notions about female characters and provoke critical thinking about gender roles in literature.
Why are prescribed texts and wide reading important in this module?
because they serve as models and stimulus for developing complex ideas and written expression
How did second-wave feminism differ from the first wave?
It expanded beyond legal rights to include workplace equality, reproductive rights, and challenging gender roles.
How does Atwood's lecture challenge traditional feminist perspectives on female character representation?
She argues that feminism should not restrict female characters to being solely virtuous role models but should embrace their full complexity, including flaws and moral ambiguities.
What is the significance of the metaphor of “spots” in the speech?
“Spots” symbolize moral imperfection. Atwood uses them to argue that flawed female characters are more realistic and should be celebrated, not erased.
Analyse how Atwood balances logos and pathos in her speech.
Atwood combines logical arguments (logos) about literary representation with emotional appeals (pathos) through personal anecdotes and evocative language to persuade her audience effectively.
How do students deliberately shape meaning during the drafting process?
by considering purpose, audience and context
How does fourth-wave feminism use technology, and what does it aim to challenge?
It uses social media to amplify issues like sexual harassment, body shaming, and inequality, while promoting intersectional awareness and accountability.
How might Atwood's insights influence contemporary writers in their approach to character development?
Writers may feel encouraged to craft more realistic and diverse female characters, moving beyond stereotypes to explore the full spectrum of human behaviour and morality.
How does “Spotty-Handed Villainesses” remain relevant today in literature and media?
It remains relevant because literature and media still often struggle to present nuanced female characters. Atwood’s call for moral complexity challenges ongoing gender stereotypes in storytelling.
Evaluate the effectiveness of Atwood’s use of humour in addressing serious themes.
Atwood's humour disarms the audience, making them more receptive to her critique of gender stereotypes. This approach allows her to tackle serious issues without alienating listeners, thereby enhancing the persuasive power of her speech.
Explain how this module develops a student’s ability to produce cohesive compositions and reflect on the recursive process of writing.
by engaging students in analysing powerful texts, experimenting with form and style, and revising through critical reflection and editing