1. Behind a Mask: or, a Woman’s Power by Louisa May Alcott
The Femme Fatale
Behind a Mask: or, a Woman’s Power
by Louisa May Alcott

2. Jean Muir: Femme Fatale
Alcott identifies Jean as a femme fatale in Chapter 1:
“Come now! The curtain is down! So I may be myself for a while, if actresses ever are themselves!”

3. Archetype: Definition
A character type that follows a patterned sequence of actions or traits.

4. Femme Fatale: Definition
French for “Fatale or Deadly Woman”
She is a mysterious and seductive woman whose charms ensnare her lovers in bonds of irresistible desire, often leading them into compromising, dangerous, and deadly situations.

5. The Archetypal Traits and Behaviors of the Femme Fatale

6. 1. Mysterious and Seductive
When does Jean demonstrate this archetypal trait?

7. How does Gerald characterize Jean this way?
2. Bewitching
In early literature, was portrayed as having magical powers (having mystical abilities akin to a witch, enchantress, vampire, or demon).
How does Gerald characterize Jean this way?

9. 3. Misleading
A femme fatale tries to achieve her hidden purpose by using feminine wiles such as beauty, charm, and seduction.
In some situations, she uses coercion or lying rather than charm.

10. How does Jean demonstrate this trait?
4. Needing Rescue?
She may also be (or imply to be) a victim, caught in a situation from which she cannot escape.
How does Jean demonstrate this trait?

11. How may Jean be viewed as heroic?
5. An “Anti-heroine”?
Although typically villainous, femme fatales have also appeared as anti-heroines in some stories, and some even repent and become heroines by the end of the tale.
How may Jean be viewed as heroic?

13. How does Jean do this to men in the novella?
6. A Heart Breaker
In social life, the femme fatale tortures her lover in an asymetrical relationship, denying confirmation of her affection.
She usually drives him to the point of obsession and exhaustion so that he is incapable of making rational decisions.
How does Jean do this to men in the novella?

14. Why Artists Depict Her: Sociological Interpretations of the Femme Fatale
Many scholars have theorized varied social reasons for the popularity of the femme fatale archetype throughout history...

15. Why did Alcott write about a femme fatale?
In other words, which of the following causes, prompted Alcott to make the protagonist of her thriller, a FEMME FATALE?

16. Theory #1: Misogyny
Some sociologists say that the femme fatale expresses misogyny (the hatred or dislike of women).

17. Theory #2: Growing Independence and Feminist Movement
Other sociologists say the Femme fatale remains an example of female independence and a threat to traditional female gender roles

18. Theory #3: Matriarchy & Physical Control
Other sociologists claim that the femme fatale “expresses woman's ancient and eternal control of the [physical] realm” (i.e., “Mother Earth”, reproduction, etc.)

19. Closing Questions: Unmasking Theme
What social criticisms does Alcott make through her characterization of femme fatale, Jean Muir?
How does the motif of performance and masking support these criticisms?
What is Alcott’s message about a “woman’s power” and Victorian gender roles? (Hint: See title)

20. Literary Techniques
Allusion (Judith & Holofernes, Rachel & Jacob, Coventry Patmore, etc.)
Repetition (“Witch”, “Enchant”, “Spell”, “Charm”, “Good Angel” etc.)
Tone (Satirical towards Victorian Courtship Practices & Gender Roles)
Motif (Performance, Masks, Power, Gender, Courtship—i.e. Knights & Maidens)
Foil Characters & Contrast (Jean/Lucia & Gerald/Ned)
Suspense & Irony (Particularly in Concluding the Novella)
Theme/Moral (Containing Statement and Warning about Gender Oppression)