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Date Posted: 19:36:52 09/04/09 Fri
Author: 
JessieR
Subject: Great question, fionaj. Men may not have an equivalent character like Claire to obsess about because they don't read enough fiction to find one, nor do they gather in groups to talk about fiction the way women do. I live just outside of Washington, DC, and we have a marvelous independent bookstore called Politics & Prose. One of the owners likened the men and women who enter her shop to people who peel off at a wedding. The women go to the bride's side (fiction), and the men go to the groom's side (history, biography, politics). Since publishers want to sell books, they may be choosing to publish more books that appeal primarily to female readers, the biggest audience for fiction. The New York Times has an article about this: "Women Buy Fiction in Bulk and Publishers Take Notice." >>>inside>>>
In reply to:
fionaj
's message, "Can anyone think of a particular female character in literature or film, or??? that's portrayed anything like Jamie? I mean the looks, brains, courage, magnetism, strength of body and character, compassion? Could Claire be such a character, or would this woman have to be "voluptuous"? If such a character has been written, would our male counterparts be having similar discussions about the issues raised in her story? I have a difficult time imagining that. Also, if we can't think of such a character, what does that say?" on 18:17:56 09/04/09 Fri
I'm wondering if comic book heroines, at least some of the late 20thC voluptuous ones, might be a symbolic equivalent to Claire for men, especially young men. Fiction may be a woman's domain right now, but men buy a lot of comic books. (Manga, however, draws a strong female readership). With comic book super heroines, you get exaggerated sexual characteristics in a visual image, plus you get an action-packed story line. Plus, while these "Wonder Women" characters are fierce, strong, and heroic, they often end up deferring to or being saved by their superhero men. Maybe that's what men find appealing: a strong, independent, and beautiful woman who despite her courage and talent still needs a man. Hmm...sounds like our Claire! I wonder if DG's decision to create a graphic novel version of Outlander is an attempt to expand her audience of male readers and make Claire an object of their obsession!
Last edited by author: Sat September 05, 2009 08:20:46
Edited 2 times.
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Thank you, thank you , thank you, Jessie! Now I can go read the Times article and obsess about this question before I go to sleep! [g] I'm very uninformed about the whole comic book scene, but find your comparison intriguing. I have a little smile going here, because I'm trying to imagine what male readers would say if super heroine Claire said "I own you, too, man" to super hero Jamie, and he replied "And I ken that very well indeed." Good Night...if I come up with some thoughts about this, I'll be back in the morning. -- fionaj, 20:02:25 09/04/09 Fri
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