University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Feminism and historiography: Toward a (re)visioning of Jenny Lind

Bostwick, Timothy Kristian

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/122109

Description

Title
Feminism and historiography: Toward a (re)visioning of Jenny Lind
Author(s)
Bostwick, Timothy Kristian
Issue Date
2023-11-14
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Bashford, Christina
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Siena, Jerold
Committee Member(s)
  • Magee, Gayle S
  • Redman, Yvonne
Department of Study
Music
Discipline
Music
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
A.Mus.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
  • Prima Donna
  • Jenny Lind
  • Queer Theory
  • Opera
  • Barnum
  • Goldschmidt
  • Mendelssohn
  • Bremer
Abstract
Jenny Lind’s name has become synonymous with Victorian virtue and charitable giving. This dissertation seeks to complicate her narrative by: (re)covering lesser-known instances of women writing about Lind; (re)visioning friendships that Lind maintained throughout her life, especially with women; and (re)considering many “foundational” sources to Lind historiography. I pay particular attention to Fredrika Bremer, who was present at significant points in Lind’s life and demonstrate the issues with Goldschmidt’s involvement in Lind’s “official biography.” To accomplish these tasks, I employ a queer theory lens with a feminist bent based on the work of Judith Butler, Kathy Rudy, and Katherine Kearns. This dissertation serves to disrupt the normative view of prima donna scholarship and open discussion around feminism in operatic history.
Graduation Semester
2023-12
Type of Resource
Thesis
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2023 Timothy Bostwick

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