The Monstrous Lesbian: Literature and Art c. 1900-1930 February 11, 2009

In a lively lecture punctuated with illustrations and quotations, tonight’s speaker explores the image of “The Lesbian” – ‎monstrous, tragic and exoticised, in English literature of the 1910s and 20s.‎ The idea of her monstrosity arose from the culture of the time: the fin-de-siècle fascination with “deadly and dangerous females”as well as the appearance of images of aesthetic and decadent men. The numerous facets of the 'monstrous lesbian' notions included the idea that a heterosexual woman could be ensnared by one of these dangerous creatures; there was the idea that homosexuality could be 'caught' like a disease from them. This sort of lesbian represented a threat to the natural order of society, for she would steal away men's wives and daughters, and defied taming. In stories and illustrations she is likened to a vampire, snake, beast, or dragon. Paradoxically, she could be as alluring as she was repulsive. Tonight, we see just how.

Lindsay River returns to Treadwell's lecture series by popular demand, where she is a much-loved doyenne and inspiration. River's MA dissertation (London Metropolitan) examined early 20th-century constructions of lesbianism, and she now works professionally on ageism, queer rights and queer pagan perspectives. A retired astrologer, she wrote (with Sally Gillespie) The Knot of Time: Astrology and Female Experience (1987). This talk is given as part of Lesbian and Gay History Month.

Reserve your place via Treadwell's by email (info@treadwells-london.com), or by phone, 020 7240 8906. Payment confirms booking. Treadwell's hosts courses and workshops taught by most experienced and gifted practitioners we know -- tutors who are not only advanced in their subjects but are also able to consider their practices thoughtfully and critically. Our aim is to make the study of esoteric disciplines available to thinking, well-read enquirers. You can also get events updates via an RSS Feed (http://www.treadwells-london.com/events.php). We have an archive of past courses (http://www.treadwells-london.com/coursespast.asp), and you can also subscribe to our mailing list (http://www.treadwells-london.com/mailinglist.php).

Official Website: http://www.treadwells-london.com/