Breeches Parts: Charlotte Cushman and the Redefining of the Ninteenth Century Woman

Hyslop 1
Lisa Marie Hyslop

Dr. Neely

Theatre History II

6 May 1999


Breeches Parts:
Charlotte Cushman and the Redefining of the Nineteenth Century Woman


Charlotte Cushman opened her memoirs with the simple statement; “I was born a tomboy.” At the turn of the century “tomboy” was applied to any girl who showed a penchant for thinking and acting for themselves (Stubbins 12). She developed what were considered “masculine” tastes, but what were in reality those that any intelligent young person would prefer if allowed to grow without intimidating restraints. She was a woman who held exercise over passivity, working with her hands and mind over playing with dolls (she cracked open her doll’s heads so she could explore what they might be thinking), and taking leading rather than subservient roles in games. Since the society of turn of the century America defined those choices as masculine, she began to think of herself in those terms. Her aspirations turne...