3: Questions for Viewers
From OutHistory
Continued from: 2: The Man-Monster Lithograph
Ten Questions for Viewers of The Man-Monster Exhibit
- The goal of these questions is to help viewers locate the Man-Monster print in context of its time.
(1) How does the Man Monster print visually characterize a black woman?
(2) Does the caption of "Man Monster" contradict the visualization of Sewally/Jones in the print?
(3) How does this print's representation of a black woman compare with other images of black women in American popular culture of the 19th century?
- Consider images from print culture, sentimental fiction, and the minstrel stage? Here are a couple of examples:
- [ADD TWO PRINTS OF BLACK FACE PERFORMERS]
- (left) Minstrel show performers Rollin Howard (in wench costume) and George Griffin, c. 1855.
- (right) E.W. Clay, from Life in Philadelphia series, 1829
(4) How expensive was this print, and what class of people would be expected to buy it?
(5) What might a buyer of this print like about it?
(6) What does the history of this print's maker and publisher tell us about the character of his print?
(7) How might we think about the Man-Monster print in relation to the sexually suggestive Helen Jewett print produced by the same printer?
- None of this printer's pornographic prints are known to exist.
(8) How might the Man-Monster print relate to 19th century men’s interest in and anxiety about independent women, female sex workers, and sapphic desire?
(9) Does this image provide insight into the history of transgendered bodies and identities?
(10) Can you think of other questions that can help us understand this image in its original historical context?
- If so, we'd all love to hear them. Please leave your answers, thoughts, and comments in the Comment box on OutHistory.org below.
Next: 4: The Man-Monster's Legacy
