Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren was first translated into English in 1950, yet decades later, it continues to challenge notions relating to girlhood and gender, and remains a deeply feminist work of children’s literature. Through the use of unconventional characterization of a lead female character, the author brings to life a red-headed, parentless, nine-year-old, who isn’t afraid of anything or anyone. The adventure driven plot, and comedic yet moral dilemmas, help craft a timeless feminist hero for young readers—who distinguishes herself from others not only with her unmistakable hair, but also her brazen power to influence and impart change.
Lindgren brings to life an unconventional protagonist, with unconventional aspirations, and …show more content…
Laura Hoffeld notes that “[a] little girl without parents to protect her and represent her to the world would ordinarily have the lowest status, be the least powerful member of her society” (48), instead Pippi is “the strongest, brightest, and richest girl in the world” (Metcalf 14-15). By being parentless, the author gives her character the means to be whoever she wishes to be, without restraint. From the beginning, she distinguishes herself from many girls, princesses, or fairies, by declaring: “I’ll be a cannibal princess” (Pippi 12). The violent juxtaposition of these dissimilar terms is both humorous and contemporary. In the end, she completely drops this pursuit, in favor of becoming a pirate—a role not often attributed to girls. Additionally, Lindgren makes it clear that Pippi is not concerned with her looks. When she does focus on her appearance, the author describes hair as being “like a lion’s mane” (Pippi 118) and her eyebrows give her a “dangerous” (118) quality. Besides, her personality is clearly what is most shocking and distinctive about her. According to Hoffeld, “As an unrefined …show more content…
Pippi Longstocking is a book that has a resounding message on the construction of girlhood through subversive acts of resistance, in a patriarchal world. What some may see as a disregard for authority, others might call warranted and justifiable defiance. Indeed, Pippi is fearless; she stands up to a bull, which may perhaps symbolize masculinity and aggression, and a number of boys and men throughout her adventures. She fights off bullies, escapes figures of authority (i.e.: police officers), and teaches wayward men important lessons in morality: “the tramps were frightened; they began to see that Pippi was no ordinary girl” (Pippi 110). Her superhuman strength allows her to figuratively overcome the patriarchy, and serves as a testament to what girls can accomplish. Likewise, when the children go the circus, Annika frets for her friend when Pippi decides to take up the challenge and go head-to-head with Mighty Adolf: “Oh, no, you couldn’t,” she says, “he’s the strongest man in the world,” (Pippi 99), but Pippi declares: “Man, yes… but I am the strongest girl in the world, remember that,” (99). This passage is empowering for readers; it demonstrates that girls can be just as strong as men—if not stronger. Incidentally, “Mighty Adolf”, who never “experienced
Lindgren brings to life an unconventional protagonist, with unconventional aspirations, and …show more content…
Laura Hoffeld notes that “[a] little girl without parents to protect her and represent her to the world would ordinarily have the lowest status, be the least powerful member of her society” (48), instead Pippi is “the strongest, brightest, and richest girl in the world” (Metcalf 14-15). By being parentless, the author gives her character the means to be whoever she wishes to be, without restraint. From the beginning, she distinguishes herself from many girls, princesses, or fairies, by declaring: “I’ll be a cannibal princess” (Pippi 12). The violent juxtaposition of these dissimilar terms is both humorous and contemporary. In the end, she completely drops this pursuit, in favor of becoming a pirate—a role not often attributed to girls. Additionally, Lindgren makes it clear that Pippi is not concerned with her looks. When she does focus on her appearance, the author describes hair as being “like a lion’s mane” (Pippi 118) and her eyebrows give her a “dangerous” (118) quality. Besides, her personality is clearly what is most shocking and distinctive about her. According to Hoffeld, “As an unrefined …show more content…
Pippi Longstocking is a book that has a resounding message on the construction of girlhood through subversive acts of resistance, in a patriarchal world. What some may see as a disregard for authority, others might call warranted and justifiable defiance. Indeed, Pippi is fearless; she stands up to a bull, which may perhaps symbolize masculinity and aggression, and a number of boys and men throughout her adventures. She fights off bullies, escapes figures of authority (i.e.: police officers), and teaches wayward men important lessons in morality: “the tramps were frightened; they began to see that Pippi was no ordinary girl” (Pippi 110). Her superhuman strength allows her to figuratively overcome the patriarchy, and serves as a testament to what girls can accomplish. Likewise, when the children go the circus, Annika frets for her friend when Pippi decides to take up the challenge and go head-to-head with Mighty Adolf: “Oh, no, you couldn’t,” she says, “he’s the strongest man in the world,” (Pippi 99), but Pippi declares: “Man, yes… but I am the strongest girl in the world, remember that,” (99). This passage is empowering for readers; it demonstrates that girls can be just as strong as men—if not stronger. Incidentally, “Mighty Adolf”, who never “experienced