The “Hybrid Hero” in Western Dime Novels

Abstract

The purpose of this narrative inquiry was to explore how dress -including cross-dressing and androgynous dress -was used within the Deadwood Dick series to construct meanings about gender and identity. The research was informed by the works of Judith Butler and Erving Goffman and by reflection theory. Data were collected by extracting references to dress within five Deadwood Dick novels featuring Calamity Jane. Analyses revealed overarching themes related to traditionally feminine dress, androgynous dress, and cross-dressing. Transitions in ideological views of 19 th century womanhood are reflected in the dime novels' alterations in appearance and gender performance that enabled female characters to act in expanded spheres. Androgyny allowed characters to adopt nontraditional gender identities, giving the freedom to participate in maledominated contexts. Cross-dressing provided characters a means of navigating temporary changes in space and place. Findings provide a reflection of the evolving national character present in 19 th century American society.During the 19th century, as American society became more industrialized, cities along the east coast grew exponentially (Denning, 1998). As rapid urbanization and growth pushed families westward to seek new opportunities, men and women often found themselves sharing in domestic and work-related activities, particularly on the frontier. Men often took part in traditionally feminine duties such as cooking and cleaning, whereas women took on masculine duties such as farming, working outdoors,