Strong Women Penned By Women

Hello dear reader,

This writer is still thinking about the article by Ms Abbott on Slate regarding the treatment of women in noir.

But why are these women so pitied when penned by a man?

This writer is an avid devotee of Miss Fisher’s Mysteries.

If, dear reader, you are unfamiliar with the series it follows the adventures of the Honorable Phryne Fisher, lady detective, emancipated woman, genius, kung-fu expert, expert shot, and general fashion and lifestyle icon.

Whether through the Australian drama series or through Kerry Greenwood’s novels Miss Fisher and her cadre of side kicks shoot, tango, and deduce their way through a variety of mysteries and whole host of societal upheavals.

Throughout the series Detective Inspector Jack Robinson acts as Miss Fisher’s foil, friend, and (often) savior. He scolds Miss Fisher when she gets out of hand and comforts her when her ego and/or body are bruised. He treats her as an equal, tempered by fear for her wellbeing.

Though apparently the image of wholesomeness Jack is revealed throughout the series to have a wilder side of his own. With an ex-wife, possible Italian lover, unionist tendencies, and a willingness to stretch the rules lurking in his past Jack is far from the white knight he appears on the surface

And yet Jack is the knight in shining armor. His quips and mansplaining are endearing. Because they are seen from Miss Fisher’s point of view. They are small stumbling blocks to be stepped over. For a woman accustomed to taking on the world, one more man is nothing to worry about.

Putting these together makes this writer wonder: What were the ladies of Dashiell Hammet and Raymond Chandler thinking? Were Sam Spade and Phillip Marlowe mainsplaining, patronizing chauvinists? Or were they just two more speed bumps to be gingerly stepped over?

Or were the equals? Armed to the teeth with revolvers and wit did these women take on the world with the knowledge that it was only way they could reach their acme? That they would be forced to forge their own paths to success? That in doing so they would open themselves to ridicule? But that, at the same time, they could live no other way?