Heiress Compare And Contrast Essay

Washington State and The Heiress are adaptations of the novel that in their own unique ways attempt to express the true intentions of the Novel, and the respective differences in expressing Catherine's transformation. Both Karen Chandler and Laurence Raw address the criticism aimed at these movies, and then explore the ways in which each movie contributes to catch the essence of the novel in their own personal styles, in their separate articles. When compared we better understand what it is to make a movie, and how creative difference is essential in maintaining the overall theme, yet delivering two different messages to the audience.

The focus of the first article, “Reconstructing Henry James: The Heiress” By Laurence Raw is to examine the

This is shown when Catherine achieves social authority only by denying the men who tried to control her, like her Father, and her lover Morris. To obey their commands would only add to her inferiority, but expressing an inability to obey is also a weakness. Therefore it can be said that Catherine gains power by acting coldly and imitating the male aggression she is shown. This is then generally applied to all women implying that women could thrive in patriarchal, male dominated work spaces of 1949 by imitating aggressive and destructive men. However, in the process, those women lose loved ones as well as stunt their own ability to love. However the second film, Holland’s “Washington State” is argued to have a much more positive portrayal of female attainment of power, as well as modern ideas of self healing, and the value of nurturing communities in helping to develop a more whole sense of self. Throughout Washington Square, Catherine gains power through personal growth and transformation, rather than by acting cruelly as her male role models have. The overall message is quite inspirational, teaching viewers that women can stand defiant and powerful, bettering themselves rather than harming themselves in the