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November 29, 2005
Gold Rush
Belasco, Girl of the Golden West (1905) -- American Literature, 1800-1915 (EL 266)
I have never heard of this play or author, so I did a little research. For those who are curious, the play takes place during the Gold Rush in California. Heres some background information on David Belasco. More to come when I get to read!
"Out of every fifty men who think they can play, one ain't mistaken" (200 THe Girl).
After reading this play in its almost entirety (little more to go), this quote caught my eye. If I were in the play, I'd want to be the Girl. She is one tough chick the way she handles all the rough men that come in to her saloon. I thought the dialogue was a perfect depiction of a bar scene, particulary with people thinking they are better at something than they really are, like poker. The typical regulars in the bar were bent out of shape when Johnson came in to see the Girl, making them look like the jealous ones in a reversed role. I thought it was interesting how the Girl had the role of what a male might have, like running a saloon. This seems odd for the time period and really stands out in the story. I liked reading something different for a change, this one especially catching my eye because of the Spanish references in it. In case you are wondering, on page 203 Balasco refers to a "vaquero", which is someone who herds cattle. Do you notice the dominant role of the Girl over the males?
Posted by AshleyHoltzer at November 29, 2005 01:13 PM
Comments
Ashley,
I also found a website that could be helpful. I looked at the website you found and it helped to give a better idea of the time period. I agree that the role of her as a dominant figure over the males made for a much more interesting read.
Posted by: Stacy at December 5, 2005 05:16 PM
First off, I just want to say that you made me think of Lauren with that "one tough chick" comment. Heh!
And yes, it is peculiar for the Girl to have taken on such a masculine role in her time period, and yet at the same time, it's not. It seems to me that if you weren't the Girl's type and held your own, you were a slut like Nina.
Jay is pondering on his blog about what characterizes beauty, if you'd like to go give that one a shot.
Posted by: Valerie Masciarelli at December 5, 2005 08:55 PM
It really is a refreshing change to see a woman in charge directing the actions of men. Meanwhile, it's interesting to see that Nina's character can have an influence on us as readers even though we're never formally introduced to her.
Posted by: Neha at December 5, 2005 10:52 PM