Out of the three types of noir women, Phyllis Nirdlinger fits well under the description of a femme fatale. From the very beginning her looks are brought up and automatically leaves an effect on the protagonist, Walter. Even without doing much, she pretty much had him under her control; he wanted to leave, he knew he should have left but his feelings for her kept him from ignoring her and by the second and third visits they had a full connection and partnership to murder her own husband.
At first it sets the impression that the protagonist had come up with the idea of murder, but within the passage, his talk with Phyllis’ step daughter Lola, implied that this plan for murder was definitely her idea, even the fact that Phyllis mentions the idea that she just loves death, proves it.
According to John Blaser in his article “No Place for a Woman,” a femme fatale refuses to play the role of a devoted wife and loving mother that mainstream society prescribes for women. And instead, she finds marriage to be confining, loveless, sexless, and dull, and she uses all of her cunning and sexual attractiveness to gain her independence.
In a way, this is true for Phyllis but the way she talks to Walter has you question if she is really manipulating him or is actually in love with him.
You could never be too sure because she had probably murdered the first Mrs. Nirdlinger and ended up murdering her husband as well. She might be after the same thing with Walter.
But overall, Phyllis covers the description “frustrated and deviant, half predator, half prey, detached yet ensnared, she falls victims into her own traps”
At first it sets the impression that the protagonist had come up with the idea of murder, but within the passage, his talk with Phyllis’ step daughter Lola, implied that this plan for murder was definitely her idea, even the fact that Phyllis mentions the idea that she just loves death, proves it.
According to John Blaser in his article “No Place for a Woman,” a femme fatale refuses to play the role of a devoted wife and loving mother that mainstream society prescribes for women. And instead, she finds marriage to be confining, loveless, sexless, and dull, and she uses all of her cunning and sexual attractiveness to gain her independence.
In a way, this is true for Phyllis but the way she talks to Walter has you question if she is really manipulating him or is actually in love with him.
You could never be too sure because she had probably murdered the first Mrs. Nirdlinger and ended up murdering her husband as well. She might be after the same thing with Walter.
But overall, Phyllis covers the description “frustrated and deviant, half predator, half prey, detached yet ensnared, she falls victims into her own traps”
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ReplyDeletePretty nice Carmelisa, the way you informed us about femme fatale personality fits more than nice with Phyllis; moreover, I like the way you described her criminal record in the past, present and future. In my opinion, I would like to some specif quotes from the book, but your description was as the tiger says Purrfect.
ReplyDeleteYes she is definitely the femme fatale like you said Walter was attacked to her from the start that gave her lead way to eventually get him to do exactly what she wanted. In time plan, the perfect murder for her own husband. she is infact using her beauty to gain independence, power and money and she will do anything to gain them. You made some great points about how she is the femme fatale in this story. Sexy, knifings dangerous, evil, twisted in the mind, greedy and manipulative these words all describe Phillis the femme fatale. I love the title you chose as well “The Devil-ish Angel” great blog
ReplyDelete[yes i am commenting on my own blog]
ReplyDelete@maura yes, I would have definitely used quotes because I had perfect ones that I wanted to use, but I borrowed the book from a friend [since I was not able to buy the book yet] and when I wrote this blog, I didn't have the text with me :/
But next time, quotes will definitely be provided (:
I agree with you. Her looks were brought up automatically and it gave sense of femme fatale. She fits the characteristics. And it's easier to be persuaded by a beautiful woman rather than an unattractive one. So her beauty helped with her innocence that it was Walters idea at first, and not hers.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that you say she might be after with the same thing with Walter, as she is with Mr.Nirdlinger. She very well could be. We will have to see if her love is real or fake.
Hola! Camerlisa, my name is Miguel, and firt of all would like to tell that your blog is full of ideas for a good essay, and to me, it gave me a lot of feedback. one of the fact that i completely forgot was that Walter wanted to leave her, but her charms, beautiful looks, and fake innocent attitude make him, and this lead him to lose even more that what he had. in addition i also agree with of other classmates, wonderful description, focus in one topic, good cnadidate for rough draft. i would like to also see how your essay will come out, you seem like a really good writer just keep up... :)
ReplyDeleteps. thank you for your ideas