Crude, Rude, and Setting the Mood: An Interview with Therese O'Neill
Jul 29, 2024
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Therese Oneill, an author celebrated for her engaging explorations of Victorian women's lives, dives into the rich tapestry of overlooked female figures. She shares humorous yet poignant anecdotes about the absurdities faced by women in the 19th century, including struggles for reproductive rights. Therese highlights the complexities of women's education and their significant yet often forgotten contributions to history. With a refreshing mix of humor and empathy, she emphasizes the need to celebrate these multifaceted legacies.
Therese Oneill highlights how unruly and unapologetic women in 19th century America reshaped societal norms and carved out their identities.
The author emphasizes the importance of nuanced historical perspectives on 'problematic women,' acknowledging both their contributions and controversial legacies.
Deep dives
Revolutionary Women in History
The episode focuses on the lives of women who defied societal norms in 19th century America, presenting them as complex individuals who often challenged the expectations placed upon them. The author Teresa O'Neill emphasizes that these women were not merely figures of history but were instead rude, uncouth, and unapologetically themselves, demonstrating resilience against the moral codes of their time. Through vivid storytelling, O'Neill reveals how their unruly behaviors contributed to reshaping the roles of women, allowing them to establish their identities and exert influence in ways that had previously been denied. Examples include insightful anecdotes about women who embraced their sexuality, rejected traditional constraints, and boldly asserted their rights in an era of strict societal limitations.
Uncovering Forgotten Truths
The conversation delves into the author's motivation rooted in a desire to reveal the truths often omitted from histories of women, particularly regarding their bodily autonomy and reproductive health. O'Neill recounts her quest for historical accuracy, particularly concerning menstruation and birth control, which were often shrouded in secrecy and misinformation. She illustrates how women navigated and indeed found ingenious ways to manage their reproductive health despite societal taboos, including relying on household items in creative ways for birth control. This exploration paints a picture of women's resourcefulness and disregards the limiting narratives that reduce them to mere passive victims of their circumstances.
The Complexity of Historical Narratives
An important theme discussed is the notion of 'problematic women'—historical figures whose legacies are complicated by societal standards that shift over time. O'Neill emphasizes the necessity of understanding these complexities in historical context rather than disregarding women entirely because of their controversial beliefs or actions. The author mentions figures like Margaret Sanger, who founded Planned Parenthood but also had ties to eugenics, provoking a discussion on how history requires a nuanced perspective that acknowledges both achievements and failures. By doing so, this approach invites a richer understanding of women's contributions to society as multi-dimensional rather than solely heroic or villainous.
Empathy and Humor in Storytelling
O'Neill discusses the fine balance between addressing serious historical issues with empathy while also incorporating humor, arguing that levity can make painful topics more accessible to modern audiences. She reflects on her writing process and how humor allows for a connection to the reader while also providing a critical lens on historical absurdities, effectively engaging listeners. The author illustrates how she seeks to humanize historical figures by celebrating their complexities and acknowledging their mistakes without vilifying them, thus offering a refreshing perspective that appeals to a contemporary understanding of feminism. This strategy not only enriches the narratives but also bridges the gap between the past and present, making history feel more relevant to today's audience.
Season 5, Episode 8. It's interview time! Let's spend some time with the delightful Therese Oneill, author of such nonfiction gems as Unmentionable: A Victorian Lady’s Guide to Sex, Marriage and Manners and her latest book Unbecoming a Lady: The Forgotten Shrews and Sluts that Shaped America. This isn't your average collection of biographies. These ladies weren’t pretty, graceful, or quiet, and so history didn’t know what to do with them. Join us as Therese introduces us to a few delightful dames.
Thanks for listening! You can now buy Unbecoming a Lady wherever good books are sold, and you can find out more about Therese at her website. If you want more Exploress in your life, I'm publishing two fresh bonus episodes a month over on my Patreon. You can now try out being a patron with a 7-day free trial! Go to my website to find out more.
My second novel is coming! If you pick up a copy of FYREBIRDS by September 4, 2024, I’ll send you some very special prizes, including a signed bookplate and some NIGHTBIRDS-inspired art. You can claim them right here, or go to my author website to find out more. If you'd like a recap of NIGHTBIRDS before the sequel arrives, go and listen to my four-part recap series over on Pub Dates.
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