The Representation of Radical Feminism in Babette Cole’s Picturebook Princess Smartypants

Abstract

This study examines the representation of radical feminism in the picturebook Princess Smartypants by Babette Cole. This study focuses on how verbal and visual texts construct and represent the meaning of the picturebook and how the story challenges gender roles through the characters’ actions and choices. Using a qualitative method from Cresswell’s approach, the data are analyzed through Stuart Hall's theory of representation and Kate Millett’s Radical Feminist perspective, especially from her book Sexual Politics. The findings show there are three main aspects: marriage refusal, female independence, and self-authority. Overall, the picturebook conveys a message that women can define independence to determine their own identities and life choices, despite society pressure to conform to traditional marriage standards.