Context for Pan's Labyrinth Flashcards
(10 cards)
What was life for women in Republican zones like?
More liberated and independent, not expected to be chaperoned by a man.
Example from film: Mercedes
What was life for women in Nationalist Spain like?
Expected to fulfill domestic and traditional duties. Some traditional work was for charities and food production. In education, girls were taught a different curriculum than boys. Sex outside marriage was officially banned.
What were milicians?
Female fighters, there were over 1000 serving in Republican militas. However, the Popular Front were less enthused about women being in the military.
Who was the first female Spanish cabinet member?
Federica Montseny in 1936
What laws were put in place for women in Nationalist Spain?
October 1937: women required to help run youth centers and soldier’s canteens
Labour Charter 1938: sought to exclude women from industrial work.
Micro-features for the Nationalist soldiers/ falangists? What does it enforce?
New, clean uniform; shaved faces and brushed hair; ride horses and handle weapons; assertive and confident body language. Enforces their victory in the civil war.
Micro-features for the Republican soldiers/ Los Maquis? What does it enforce?
Old, dirty, torn uniforms; hidden in mountains; injured; not one Spanish personae which links to the International Brigades. Enforces their defeat in the civil war.
Dr. Ferreiro’s reference to the new, fascist, male identity:
“Obey just for the sake of it, without questioning, that’s something that only men like you do, captain.”
How is Vidal depicted as a villain?
Low camera angles which emphasis his presence in the shot along with Mercedes directly referring to him as an animal: “You won’t be the first pig I kill.” This heightens Del Toro’s anti-fascist messaging.
How does Vidal’s view of Carmen link to Nationalist Spain?
He views her as an incubator for his son, show through immediately immobilizing her with the wheelchair and allowing her to die. Franco’s regime constructed women as baby machines, once that duty is fulfilled they are no longer useful.
