Literary Anti-Heroines

For every literary heroine, there is the anti-heroine. The pathetic, mundane, and embarassing female that makes you cringe as you read. These are characters that need some work and unfortunately generate stereotypes about females. The anti-heroine is often pathetic, whiny, clingy, and has no self-respect. Ladies, let's be the heroines of our own lives and take a note about how not to act from the following.

Lily Bart; The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton: Lily begins as a privileged female and ultimately ends up falling apart. Her forays into her elite and painful society are detailed by Wharton, who actually experienced a somewhat similar lifestyle. Ultimately, Lily cannot handle her downfall and commits suicide. This fate could have been avoided if she had a sassy gay friend. But seriously, her life at the end of the novel is really not that bad and it just is such a shame that she reacted in this manner.

Bella Swan; Twilight by Stephenie Meyer: Bella is so ridiculously pathetic and attached to Edward, that when he leaves her she sees no reason in living and decides that there is no point to her life. Really? He's just a guy. Get over it and move on. There is no reason that we should be changing and dedicating ourselves to men and the fact that these books are meant for girls of an impressionable age is worrying. They should be given a role model with self-respect, independence, and strong-will. Bella has none of these things and frankly is the most embarassing female I've ever read about.

The Girls of Constance Prep; Gossip Girl by Cecily von Zeigser: I will admit that most of my pre-teen years were spent obsessing over this series. For teen fiction, they're pretty well-writen and are filled with a colorful and interesting array of characters who lead intoxicating lives. However, at a different stage of my life I've come to find that these girls are anything but strong females. Sure, there are exceptions but for the most part its loveless sex, drinking and drug use for attention, and never having to work a day in their lives because of mommy and daddy's money.

Anti-heroines all around, but at least we can learn our lesson!

"Be the leading lady of your own life." -The Holiday


--Rachael