August brings us National Women’s Day in South Africa – a time when we are encouraged to remember and praise strong female role models who exude positivity, skill and courage.
With this in mind, I started to consider the important literary women in my life, both writers and characters. I thought back to my childhood and happily recalled Enid Blyton, the March sisters, Nancy Drew and Matilda; during my teenage years I was enthralled by Kate (‘Taming of the Shrew’), Jane Eyre and Lyndall (‘The Story an African Farm’); as I got older I appreciated the vision of Olive Schreiner and Nadine Gordimer, and loved the world of Jane Austin and the Brontë sisters. The list can go on and on.
But why do some female literary characters stay with readers long after they’ve finished reading the novels in which these characters are featured? Often, it’s due to the intimacy with which readers have come to know a character. Other times, readers love female characters because of the audacity of their actions, or because the characters manage to embody the complex nature of women. They may be young or old, charming or black-hearted, but they are all memorable. Whether you love them or love to hate them, they make a mark on you.
During August we would like to celebrate our literary heroines. Encourage your learners to post on Facebook and they could stand to win a study manual of their choice. In the week 3 – 7 August we would like to hear which female writers they enjoy, and in the week 10 – 14 August we would like to know which female characters are popular. The winners will be selected on 17 August, and will be posted on Facebook.
Celebrate/promote literary women in your classroom by turning this into an oral activity, where learners can explain why they like a particular female character in a novel, play or poem. The oral can incorporate readings from the text and/or dramatic presentations. If your learners need some ideas, you can direct them to this website that has a wonderful array of ideas.
Happy Women’s Day!