The article is by Jessamyn Neuhaus is called Marge Simpson, Blue-Haired Housewife: Defining Domesticity on The Simpsons. The article discusses the satire around the American family in the show, Marge’s humorous challenge of the American housewife, and yet her overall actions make her the quintessential housewife.
The article discusses how even thought The Simpsons may poke fun the American family it still reinforces family values of postwar sitcoms. For instance the show displays a tight knit community, that participates in civic life, and that regularly attend church. The Simpsons demonstrate a nuclear family with Homer as the head of that family as the main money maker. Even though Homer is the breadwinner he is still depicted as lazy and stupid. Marge on the other hand is the quintessential housewife and is depicted as rarely falls short in her role. Even though Homer and Marge are depicted humorously they still abide and support traditional gender roles.
Even though Marge is depicted with many characteristics of the quintessential housewife it is done in a humorous way that challenges the unrealistic image of the American housewife. When most think of Marge they picture her sky high blue beehive which vividly shows her as unreal. In the show Marge’s hair is used to hide objects in her hair and her hair generally grows back by the end of the episode no matter what happens to it. In addition, Marge has a very rough voice that mocks the light singsong of most housewives depicted. Her voice shows she is strong and not submissive often her voice is raised in defense of her family. Neuhaus writes that Marge “pointedly refutes the myth of the TV housewife; she belies the image of the eternally cheerful, content, utterly domesticate wife and mother” ( 2010, p. 771). In a few episodes Marge’s character depicts her frustration with life. Whether those frustrations are from exhaustion, her marriage, or unfulfilling housework. the frustrations are always resolved by the end of the episode.
Even through the satire surrounding Marge’s character at the root of her actions is a woman who is dedicated to her community, home, children, and husband. Marge is often shown as serving the public through bake sales, politics, or even trying to work outside the home. Yet when she does things quite literally fall apart not only at home but in the whole town of Springfield
Resources
Neuhaus, J. (2010 Aug.) Marge Simpson, Blue-Haired Housewife: Defining Domesticity on The Simpsons. Journal of Popular Culture, 43, (4), 761-781. Retrieved September 30, 2010, from EBSCO host database.
I have always been a big fan of The Simpsons, so I ready enjoyed getting to read this analysis on Marge Simpson. I have always seen Marge Simpson as a character that is modeled after what the typical American housewife should look at. Your analysis of the article illustrtaed that point, as well as the point that her character is supposed to be a mockery of that point. I also like how the article used Marge's unrealistic blue hair as a symbol to show that she is still a fictional character. Overall, you did a great job analysizing this acticle and being able to link points of the article to the actual show.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up The Simpsons were so popular and watched by a ton of people. Flipping through tv channels you still are able to find The Simpsons played. Marge Simpson is a very popular character. She became more and more popular as time moved on and has became popular with her large blue hair.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting view on The Simpsons. I have watched this show only a few times but you really summed up the show for us who don’t know it well. The one thing I do remember about the show was how Homer was so careless and what appeared to be uneducated, but Marge was a no nonsense housewife and mother. Her hair is probably what made her stand out the most. But truly the idea that she stays an at home mom given the fact of who her husband is and that she is capable of so much more, shows that it is TV fiction at its best. Great analysis, thank you.
ReplyDeleteAmy, very interesting article about Marge's role as a housewife. You were right on in examining her personality and characteristics. I think it is interesting that even though she is a strong character who could very well be independent, she continues to find herself in the role of a housewife. It is what truly makes her happy, being able to take care of her family.
ReplyDeleteKristina Gregory
It's amazing how Marge is the quintessential housewife. The article is right on on how she is the glue that keeps the family together even though Homer brings home the money. She puts family and marriage first, and herself second.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Ah, the Simpsons. I really do like this article analysis because it explains the background and formulas that go into making the Simpsons so popular and able to be thought of in both a comical point and a reality point, aside from the obvious things that cannot be real. The family is very close knit even though it tries to show them as always arguing or having differences. I like how you really enlightened on the roles of Marge and Homer, even though they are depicted differently. I think it is important that people are able to understand that and grasp the concept. Good job.
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