50 pages 1 hour read

Robin McKinley

The Hero and the Crown

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1984

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Background

Cultural Context: Second-Wave Feminism and Female Fantasy Protagonists

Prior to the 1980s, female protagonists were a rarity in the fantasy genre, and even when they appeared, they were seldom depicted as being physically capable and socially equal to the men. Although certain notable characters—such as Eowyn in Lord of the Rings—sometimes occupied important, near-equivalent roles, later contributions to the fantasy genre relegated women to diminished, supporting roles in the name of “realism.” The cultural dialogue at the time argued that women would not be capable of the feats typically demanded of fantasy protagonists; additionally, some argued that in settings inspired by medieval Europe, women’s behavior would be much more restricted.

Authors like Robin McKinley, Tamora Pierce, and Ursula K. Le Guin sought to deconstruct and revolutionize many restrictive conventions of the fantasy genre, including the role of women. Second-wave feminism, which began in the 1960s and continued into the late 1980s, inspired much of this development. While third- and fourth-wave feminist movements emphasized the value and power of femininity, second-wave feminism emphasized equality between men and women, arguing that women were just as capable of embodying traditionally “masculine” behaviors and roles. Characters like Aerin, who are cast as powerful warriors, came about as a result of this movement.

Related Titles

By Robin McKinley

Study Guide

logo

Beauty

Robin McKinley

Beauty: A Retelling of Beauty and the Beast

Robin McKinley

Plot Summary

logo

Imaginary Lands

Robin McKinley

Imaginary Lands

Robin McKinley

Plot Summary

logo

The Blue Sword

Robin McKinley

The Blue Sword

Robin McKinley