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PseudoPod 706: The Giant Wistaria

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Bdoomed:
PseudoPod 706: The Giant Wistaria

Author: Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Narrators: Leeman Kessler and John Meagher
Host: Gwendolyn Kiste
Audio Producer: Marty Perrett

“The Giant Wistaria” was first published in the New England Magazine, June 1891 with the byline “Charlotte P. Stetson.”


“Meddle not with my new vine, child! See! Thou hast already broken the tender shoot! Never needle or distaff for thee, and yet thou wilt not be quiet!” 

The nervous fingers wavered, clutched at a small carnelian cross that hung from her neck, then fell despairingly. 

“Give me my child, mother, and then I will be quiet!” 

“Hush! hush! thou fool–some one might be near! See–there is thy father coming, even now! Get in quickly!” 

She raised her eyes to her mother’s face, weary eyes that yet had a flickering, uncertain blaze in their shaded depths. 

“Art thou a mother and hast no pity on me, a mother? Give me my child!” 

Her voice rose in a strange, low cry, broken by her father’s hand upon her mouth. 

“Shameless!” said he, with set teeth. “Get to thy chamber, and be not seen again to-night, or I will have thee bound!” 


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Nyckname:
"We have to consider the unavoidable presence of a large body of aliens, of a race widely dissimilar and in many respects inferior, whose present status is to us a social injury." - Charlotte Perkins Gilman, A Suggestion On The Negro Problem

http://www.expo98.msu.edu/people/Gilman.htm

Fenrix:
It is quite true that people who were revolutionary on one axis held toxic views on another. I bet we could find others. Those views inform how we are to engage with their work.

Did you have anything to say about the story, Nyck?

Marlboro:
The whole internet loves the Giant Wistaria, a scary plant that wrecks supernatural vengeance! *5 seconds later*  We regret to inform you the shrub is racist.



Random plug for a 70 year old radio episode: for more CPG goodness, be sure to check out the July 29th 1948 episode of "Suspense." Agnes Moorehead does a fantastic job in this adaptation of The Yellow Wallpaper.

Languorous Lass:
I do think it’s worthwhile to identify the racist views of creators past and present, so we can be aware of the perhaps-subtle effects of those views on their creative efforts.  Our frustrating pal Lovecraft is a prime example.

I wasn’t aware of Gilman’s views on race, and find the information disappointing, but valuable.   It will affect the way I view her writing in the future.  I don’t see those views reflected in this story, though. 

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