Date of Award

2004

Document Type

Restricted Thesis

Terms of Use

© 2004 Ester Bloom. All rights reserved. Access to this work is restricted to users within the Swarthmore College network and may only be used for non-commercial, educational, and research purposes. Sharing with users outside of the Swarthmore College network is expressly prohibited. For all other uses, including reproduction and distribution, please contact the copyright holder.

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

History Department, Film & Media Studies Department

First Advisor

Marjorie Murphy

Second Advisor

Patricia White

Abstract

Bloom’s thesis is a screenplay about Victoria Claflin Woodhull and Tennesse Claflin, as well as Harriet Beecher Stowe and the affair between Henry Ward Beecher and Elizabeth Tilton, in 19th century America. It follows the Claflins from childhood, through association with Cornelius Vanderbilt, their brokerage, Victoria’s presidential candidacy, and her decline after revealing Beecher’s affair. It follows Stowe through success with Uncle Tom’s Cabin, scandal over her defense of Lady Byron, and conflict with the Claflins over women’s rights and free love. Stowe’s satirical version of Victoria and Tennesse, Audacia Dangereyes, represents the disagreement over the role of women and sex even among prominent, unconventional women at the time. Blooms draws on periodicals and person writings, as well as secondary sources.

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