Approach to the dichotomous angel/monster figure of women in Mexican decadentism

Abstract

During the 19th century, women left their domestic bed and began to work, due to the accelerated growth of industries. This caused discontent among the male population: they were fearful of the freedom and female empowerment of such an action. The work analyzes how this fact was captured by Mexican decadent writers through a female stereotype called angel woman/monster woman, and the resolution they intended to give to the possible threat it represented for their patriarchal order. For this, the stories “Causa Ganada” by Bernardo Couto Castillo are examined; “Un crimen rato” by Ciro B. Ceballos; and “Por qué la mató” by Carlos Díaz Dufoo.