Bewitched Again

Supernaturally Powerful Women on Television, 1996-2011

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Television, Performing Arts, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Gender Studies, Women&
Cover of the book Bewitched Again by Julie D. O’Reilly, McFarland
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Julie D. O’Reilly ISBN: 9781476601618
Publisher: McFarland Publication: July 11, 2013
Imprint: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers Language: English
Author: Julie D. O’Reilly
ISBN: 9781476601618
Publisher: McFarland
Publication: July 11, 2013
Imprint: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
Language: English

Starting in 1996, U.S. television saw an influx of superhuman female characters who could materialize objects like Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, defeat evil like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and have premonitions like Charmed's Phoebe. The extraordinary abilities of these women showed resistance to traditional gender roles, although these characters experienced infringements on their abilities in ways superpowered men did not. Supernaturally powerful women and girls have remained on television, including the heavenly connected Grace (of Saving Grace), telepathic Sookie (of True Blood), and magical Cassie (of The Secret Circle). These more recent characters also face numerous constraints on their powers. As a result, superpowers become a narrative technique to diminish these characters, a technique that began with television's first superpowered woman, Samantha (of Bewitched). They all illustrate a paradox of women's power: are these characters ever truly powerful, much less superpowerful, if they cannot use their abilities fully? The superwoman has endured as a metaphor for women trying to "have it all"; therefore, the travails of these television examples parallel those of their off-screen counterparts.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Starting in 1996, U.S. television saw an influx of superhuman female characters who could materialize objects like Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, defeat evil like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and have premonitions like Charmed's Phoebe. The extraordinary abilities of these women showed resistance to traditional gender roles, although these characters experienced infringements on their abilities in ways superpowered men did not. Supernaturally powerful women and girls have remained on television, including the heavenly connected Grace (of Saving Grace), telepathic Sookie (of True Blood), and magical Cassie (of The Secret Circle). These more recent characters also face numerous constraints on their powers. As a result, superpowers become a narrative technique to diminish these characters, a technique that began with television's first superpowered woman, Samantha (of Bewitched). They all illustrate a paradox of women's power: are these characters ever truly powerful, much less superpowerful, if they cannot use their abilities fully? The superwoman has endured as a metaphor for women trying to "have it all"; therefore, the travails of these television examples parallel those of their off-screen counterparts.

More books from McFarland

Cover of the book The 1902 Pittsburgh Pirates by Julie D. O’Reilly
Cover of the book William Stanley as Shakespeare by Julie D. O’Reilly
Cover of the book The Story of a Forest by Julie D. O’Reilly
Cover of the book Encyclopedia of Weird War Stories by Julie D. O’Reilly
Cover of the book The Mexican Cinema of Darkness by Julie D. O’Reilly
Cover of the book Vampire Films of the 1970s by Julie D. O’Reilly
Cover of the book The Creature Chronicles by Julie D. O’Reilly
Cover of the book The Golden Spurs of Kortrijk by Julie D. O’Reilly
Cover of the book Combat Films by Julie D. O’Reilly
Cover of the book Brian Friel by Julie D. O’Reilly
Cover of the book Not in My Library! by Julie D. O’Reilly
Cover of the book Popeye: An Illustrated Cultural History, 2d ed. by Julie D. O’Reilly
Cover of the book Yogic Peace Education by Julie D. O’Reilly
Cover of the book Hero of Fort Schuyler by Julie D. O’Reilly
Cover of the book Bump Elliott, the Michigan Wolverines and Their 1964 Championship Football Season by Julie D. O’Reilly
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy