Iron Jawed Angels Viewing Guide Answers: A Comprehensive Plan
This guide provides detailed analysis and study help for students examining the film, focusing on pivotal moments and historical accuracy.
Explore the strategies of Alice Paul and Lucy Burns, alongside the challenges faced during the fight for women’s suffrage.
Discover expert answers to common viewing guide questions, enhancing understanding of this dramatic portrayal of a crucial movement.
Iron Jawed Angels, released in 2004, dramatically recounts the final years of the American women’s suffrage movement. Directed by Katja von Garnier, the film centers on the unwavering dedication of Alice Paul, portrayed by Hilary Swank, and Lucy Burns, played by Frances O’Connor.
The narrative focuses on their more militant tactics, diverging from the established approaches of the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA). It vividly depicts their formation of the National Woman’s Party (NWP) and their relentless pursuit of a constitutional amendment granting women the right to vote.
The film doesn’t shy away from portraying the harsh realities faced by these activists, including imprisonment, force-feeding during hunger strikes, and public opposition. Iron Jawed Angels serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made to achieve this fundamental right.
II. Historical Context: The Suffrage Movement
The women’s suffrage movement in the United States spanned decades, beginning with the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848. Early efforts focused on state-level campaigns, achieving limited success. By the early 20th century, a more national strategy emerged, advocating for a constitutional amendment.
However, differing approaches created tension. The NAWSA favored a state-by-state approach, while Alice Paul and the NWP believed direct action and federal pressure were essential. This period witnessed parades, protests, and increasing civil disobedience.
Opposition stemmed from various sources, including anti-suffragists who feared societal disruption and those who believed women lacked the capacity for political participation. The fight culminated in the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920.
III. Key Figures in the Film
“Iron Jawed Angels” centers on several pivotal figures in the suffrage movement. Hilary Swank portrays Alice Paul, a strategic leader who championed radical tactics. Frances O’Connor embodies Lucy Burns, a dedicated activist and Paul’s close ally, unwavering in her commitment.
Julia Ormond’s Inez Milholland served as a captivating symbol of the movement, embodying grace and determination. These women, alongside others, faced immense opposition and personal sacrifice.
The film highlights their contrasting personalities and shared dedication, illustrating the diverse forces driving the fight for women’s right to vote. Their actions challenged societal norms and ultimately contributed to lasting change.
III.A. Alice Paul: Leadership and Strategy
Alice Paul, portrayed by Hilary Swank, emerges as the central strategist in “Iron Jawed Angels.” Her leadership is defined by a commitment to direct action and a willingness to challenge conventional methods. Paul believed in mirroring the tactics used by suffragists in Britain, employing parades, picketing, and civil disobedience.
She founded the National Woman’s Party (NWP), shifting the focus to a federal amendment. Paul’s unwavering determination and organizational skills proved crucial in escalating the movement’s visibility and pressure on President Wilson.
Her approach, though controversial, ultimately proved effective in securing the 19th Amendment.
III.B. Lucy Burns: A Dedicated Activist
Lucy Burns, powerfully depicted by Frances O’Connor, stands as Alice Paul’s steadfast companion and a dedicated activist in her own right. She shares Paul’s belief in militant tactics and unwavering commitment to securing suffrage through a federal amendment.
Burns played a vital role in organizing protests, enduring arrests, and facing brutal conditions during imprisonment. Her resilience and unwavering spirit are evident throughout the film, demonstrating a profound dedication to the cause.
Alongside Paul, she helped shape the NWP’s strategy, solidifying their impact on the suffrage movement’s trajectory.
III.C. Inez Milholland: Symbol of the Movement
Inez Milholland, portrayed by Julia Ormond, embodies the grace and idealism of the early suffrage movement, quickly becoming a captivating symbol for the cause. Her striking appearance and powerful oratory skills drew significant public attention to the fight for women’s voting rights.
Milholland participated in numerous parades and demonstrations, often leading them on horseback, becoming an instantly recognizable figure. The film highlights her dedication, even as her health deteriorates.
Her untimely death, tragically occurring shortly before the 19th Amendment’s ratification, further cemented her status as a martyr and enduring icon of the suffrage struggle.
IV. The Film’s Depiction of Suffrage Tactics
“Iron Jawed Angels” vividly portrays the escalating tactics employed by suffragists, moving beyond traditional lobbying to more confrontational methods. The film showcases the dramatic impact of large-scale parades and public demonstrations, designed to raise awareness and pressure politicians.
A key focus is the courageous picketing of the White House, a novel and controversial strategy that directly challenged President Wilson. The film doesn’t shy away from depicting the resulting civil disobedience and arrests, highlighting the suffragists’ willingness to endure hardship for their cause.
These actions, though met with resistance, ultimately proved pivotal in shifting public opinion and securing the right to vote.
IV.A. Parades and Public Demonstrations
“Iron Jawed Angels” powerfully depicts the early suffrage movement’s reliance on visually striking parades and public demonstrations. These events, often meticulously organized, aimed to capture public attention and demonstrate the breadth of support for women’s suffrage.
The film illustrates how these displays weren’t simply peaceful marches; they frequently faced opposition, including heckling and even violence from counter-protesters. Despite this resistance, suffragists persevered, understanding the importance of visibility.
These large-scale events served as crucial platforms for disseminating their message and building momentum, laying the groundwork for more radical tactics.
IV.B. Picketing the White House
“Iron Jawed Angels” dramatically portrays the National Woman’s Party’s (NWP) groundbreaking decision to picket the White House, a tactic considered highly controversial at the time. This bold move directly challenged President Woodrow Wilson to address the issue of women’s suffrage.
The film highlights the suffragists’ unwavering commitment, standing silently with banners quoting Wilson’s own words on democracy, exposing the hypocrisy of denying voting rights to half the population.
This persistent and peaceful protest provoked a harsh response from the government, leading to arrests and imprisonment, further galvanizing the movement and attracting national attention.
IV.C. Civil Disobedience and Arrests
“Iron Jawed Angels” vividly depicts the suffragists’ embrace of civil disobedience, a deliberate violation of unjust laws to provoke change. Following their picketing of the White House, numerous activists, including Alice Paul and Lucy Burns, faced arrest on charges of obstructing traffic.
The film showcases how these arrests weren’t seen as setbacks, but as opportunities to draw further attention to their cause and challenge the legal system. The suffragists demanded political prisoner status, which was denied.
This led to hunger strikes in prison, resulting in brutal force-feeding, a harrowing experience powerfully portrayed in the movie, highlighting the lengths to which the government went to suppress the movement.
V. The 19th Amendment: Road to Ratification
“Iron Jawed Angels” illustrates the arduous journey towards the 19th Amendment’s ratification, granting women the right to vote. The film highlights the relentless lobbying efforts of the National Woman’s Party (NWP) and the mounting public pressure on President Woodrow Wilson.
Despite Wilson’s initial reluctance, the suffragists’ unwavering commitment and the ongoing protests eventually swayed his support, particularly as a wartime measure to showcase American democracy.
The amendment’s passage through Congress was only the first step; state-level ratification proved equally challenging, requiring intense campaigning and political maneuvering. August 26, 1920, marked the official ratification, a victory hard-won.
VI. Examining the Opposition to Women’s Suffrage
“Iron Jawed Angels” subtly depicts the significant opposition faced by the suffrage movement. Anti-suffragists argued that women’s involvement in politics would disrupt the traditional family structure and societal norms.
The film alludes to fears that granting women the vote would lead to the neglect of domestic duties and a decline in moral values. Powerful lobbying groups, often funded by the liquor industry, actively campaigned against suffrage, fearing prohibition.
Furthermore, some opponents expressed racist concerns, believing that enfranchising women, particularly women of color, would threaten white political dominance. These deeply ingrained prejudices fueled resistance to change.
VII. The Role of President Woodrow Wilson
“Iron Jawed Angels” portrays President Woodrow Wilson’s initially ambivalent stance towards women’s suffrage. He initially believed the issue was a state matter, avoiding direct federal intervention.
The film highlights the suffragists’ relentless picketing of the White House, directly appealing to Wilson to support a constitutional amendment. This public pressure, combined with women’s contributions to the war effort during World War I, gradually shifted his position.
Ultimately, Wilson came to endorse the 19th Amendment, recognizing the hypocrisy of fighting for democracy abroad while denying it to half the population at home. His eventual support proved crucial for ratification.
VIII. Prison Conditions and Force Feeding
“Iron Jawed Angels” depicts the horrific prison conditions endured by suffragists after their arrests for picketing. The film showcases the brutal treatment, including unsanitary cells, inadequate food, and physical abuse inflicted by prison guards.
A particularly disturbing aspect shown is force feeding, a painful and invasive procedure used to suppress hunger strikes. The film illustrates the suffragists’ unwavering commitment to their cause, even in the face of such inhumane treatment.
These scenes highlight the lengths to which the government went to silence dissent and the suffragists’ resilience in enduring these hardships for the right to vote.
VIII.A. Brutality and Inhumane Treatment
“Iron Jawed Angels” vividly portrays the brutality faced by suffragists imprisoned for their activism. The film doesn’t shy away from depicting the unsanitary and overcrowded jail cells, alongside the deliberate denial of basic necessities like adequate food and medical care.
Guards subjected the women to physical and verbal abuse, aiming to break their spirits. The film highlights the psychological torment inflicted, designed to force recantations and end their protests.
This inhumane treatment, intended to suppress the movement, underscores the lengths authorities went to maintain the status quo and deny women their fundamental rights. It emphasizes the suffragists’ courage.
VIII.B. The Impact on the Suffragists
The harsh prison conditions profoundly impacted the suffragists, both physically and emotionally. Despite enduring brutal treatment and force-feeding, their resolve remained remarkably unbroken, fueled by unwavering commitment to their cause.
However, the experience took a significant toll, leaving lasting scars on many. The film illustrates the psychological trauma inflicted by isolation, abuse, and the constant threat of further punishment.
Paradoxically, the government’s harsh response galvanized public support for the suffrage movement. News of the suffragists’ suffering sparked outrage and sympathy, ultimately strengthening their position.
IX. The National Woman’s Party (NWP)
The National Woman’s Party (NWP), founded by Alice Paul and Lucy Burns, adopted a more militant and confrontational approach to securing suffrage than other organizations. They strategically employed tactics like picketing the White House and organizing large-scale demonstrations.
Unlike the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA), the NWP focused on a federal amendment, believing it was the quickest path to enfranchisement. Their relentless pressure on President Wilson, despite facing arrest and imprisonment, proved pivotal.
The NWP’s unwavering dedication and willingness to challenge the status quo ultimately forced the issue of women’s suffrage into the national spotlight, accelerating the movement’s progress.
X. Comparing and Contrasting Suffrage Strategies
The suffrage movement wasn’t monolithic; differing strategies existed. The National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) favored a state-by-state approach, building support through local campaigns and lobbying. This was considered more moderate and less confrontational.
Conversely, the National Woman’s Party (NWP), led by Alice Paul and Lucy Burns, advocated for a federal amendment and employed more radical tactics like picketing and civil disobedience. They aimed to directly pressure President Wilson and Congress.
While NAWSA focused on respectability and gradual change, the NWP prioritized visibility and immediate action, even if it meant facing arrest and public criticism. Both approaches, though distinct, contributed to the ultimate victory.
X.A. NWP vs; NAWSA Approaches
The NWP, depicted vividly in Iron Jawed Angels, embraced militant tactics – parades, pickets, and hunger strikes – to demand a federal suffrage amendment. They directly challenged authority, accepting arrest and enduring brutal prison conditions to gain publicity.
NAWSA, however, prioritized a state-by-state strategy, believing incremental progress through state referendums was more achievable. They focused on lobbying politicians and building alliances within existing political structures, avoiding confrontational methods.
This difference stemmed from philosophical divides; the NWP sought immediate, nationwide change, while NAWSA favored a more cautious, pragmatic path. Though often at odds, both organizations ultimately played crucial, complementary roles in securing the 19th Amendment.
XI. Analyzing the Film’s Accuracy
Iron Jawed Angels takes dramatic license with historical events for narrative impact. While portraying the core struggle accurately, some details are condensed or altered. The film emphasizes the NWP’s radical tactics, potentially overshadowing NAWSA’s contributions.
Certain character interactions and timelines are fictionalized to heighten tension and emotional resonance. The depiction of President Wilson’s evolving stance, while generally accurate, simplifies a complex political process.
Despite these artistic liberties, the film effectively conveys the suffragists’ unwavering dedication and the harsh realities they faced. It serves as a powerful introduction to the movement, prompting further research into the nuanced history of women’s suffrage.
XII. Themes Explored in Iron Jawed Angels
Central to Iron Jawed Angels are themes of perseverance and unwavering determination in the face of adversity. The suffragists’ relentless pursuit of the vote, despite imprisonment and brutal treatment, exemplifies this.
Sacrifice and commitment are also prominent, as the women willingly endured personal hardship and societal condemnation for their cause. The film highlights the internal conflicts and difficult choices they faced.
Furthermore, the narrative explores the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of challenging oppressive systems. It questions societal norms and celebrates the courage to fight for equality and justice.
XII.A. Perseverance and Determination
The film vividly portrays the suffragists’ unwavering perseverance, even when confronted with relentless opposition and harsh punishments. Alice Paul and Lucy Burns, despite repeated arrests and force-feeding, maintained their commitment to securing voting rights.
Their determination is showcased through continuous picketing of the White House, organizing parades, and enduring imprisonment. The suffragists refused to be silenced, demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.
This theme emphasizes the necessity of steadfastness when challenging established power structures and fighting for social change, inspiring viewers with their unyielding spirit.
XII.B. Sacrifice and Commitment
“Iron Jawed Angels” powerfully illustrates the profound sacrifices made by suffragists for the cause of women’s suffrage. These women willingly endured imprisonment, brutal treatment, and social ostracism, prioritizing the fight for equality above personal comfort and safety.
Their commitment extended to enduring force-feeding, a harrowing and inhumane practice, and risking their health and well-being for the movement. This dedication highlights the depth of their belief in the fundamental right to vote.
The film underscores that achieving significant social change often demands immense personal sacrifice and unwavering dedication from those who champion the cause.
XIII. The Film’s Reception and Critical Analysis
“Iron Jawed Angels” generally received positive reviews, praised for its dramatic portrayal of the suffrage movement and strong performances by Hilary Swank and Frances O’Connor. Critics acknowledged its success in bringing this important historical period to a wider audience.
However, some analyses noted dramatic license taken with certain events and characterizations for narrative effect. Discussions centered on the film’s focus on the more militant tactics of the NWP, potentially overshadowing the broader suffrage movement.
Despite these critiques, the film remains a valuable resource for understanding the dedication and struggles of the suffragists, sparking continued conversation and study.
XIV. Viewing Guide Questions: Common Themes
Frequently, viewing guides focus on the suffragists’ unwavering perseverance despite facing imprisonment, force-feeding, and public ridicule. Questions explore the motivations behind their radical tactics, like picketing the White House, and the sacrifices they made.
Another common theme is the contrast between the NWP’s militant approach and the NAWSA’s more gradual strategies. Guides often ask students to analyze the effectiveness of each approach and the internal conflicts within the movement.
Furthermore, questions delve into the film’s depiction of President Wilson’s evolving stance and the societal opposition to women’s suffrage, prompting critical thinking about historical context.
XV. Understanding the Significance of the Title
The title, “Iron Jawed Angels,” directly references how male authorities perceived the suffragists – as unyielding and unnatural women challenging the established order. It highlights their fierce determination and refusal to back down despite brutal treatment, particularly during hunger strikes and forced feedings.
This imagery evokes the physical and emotional strength required to endure imprisonment and public scorn while maintaining their commitment to the cause. The “angels” aspect ironically contrasts with the perceived harshness, suggesting a moral righteousness driving their actions.
Ultimately, the title encapsulates the suffragists’ unwavering resolve and the societal resistance they faced, making it a powerful symbol of the movement’s struggle.
XVI. The Impact of the Film on Public Perception
“Iron Jawed Angels” significantly impacted public understanding of the suffrage movement, bringing a dramatic and emotionally resonant portrayal to a wider audience. Prior to the film, the struggle for the 19th Amendment often lacked popular recognition of its intensity and sacrifices.
The film humanized the suffragists, showcasing their dedication and the harsh realities of their activism, including imprisonment and force-feeding. It challenged conventional narratives and sparked renewed interest in women’s history.
While not without historical debate, the film served as a catalyst for discussion and a powerful reminder of the fight for equal rights.
XVII. Resources for Further Research
For deeper exploration of the suffrage movement and “Iron Jawed Angels,” numerous resources are available. Online archives, such as the Library of Congress and the National Women’s History Museum, offer primary source documents and detailed historical accounts.
Websites dedicated to women’s history provide comprehensive information on key figures and events. Books like “Votes for Women” by Winifred Conkling offer scholarly analysis. Documentaries further illuminate the era.
McGraw-Hill Education and PLATO offer supplemental materials, including potential answer keys for related educational resources, aiding comprehension and study.
XVII.A. Online Archives and Websites
Delve into the past through invaluable online archives. The Library of Congress houses extensive collections of suffrage materials, including photographs, letters, and organizational records. The National Women’s History Museum website provides accessible overviews and digital exhibits.
Explore the records of the National Woman’s Party, offering insights into their strategies and activism. Mheducation.com, the McGraw-Hill Education site, may contain supplementary resources for educational use. Utilize search engines to locate academic articles and digitized primary sources.
These digital platforms offer a wealth of information for researchers and students seeking a deeper understanding of the movement depicted in “Iron Jawed Angels.”
XVII.B. Books and Documentaries
Expand your knowledge beyond the film with scholarly books detailing the suffrage movement. Explore biographies of key figures like Alice Paul and Lucy Burns to understand their motivations and strategies. Consider works analyzing the political and social context of the era.
Documentaries offer alternative perspectives and archival footage. Seek out films that examine the broader history of women’s rights and the challenges faced by suffragists. These resources provide a nuanced understanding of the fight for the 19th Amendment.
Further research will enrich your appreciation of “Iron Jawed Angels” and the historical events it portrays.
XVIII. Modern Relevance of the Suffrage Movement
The struggle for suffrage resonates today in ongoing fights for voting rights and political representation. Examining the tactics used by suffragists – protests, civil disobedience, lobbying – provides insight into contemporary activism.
“Iron Jawed Angels” highlights the importance of perseverance and challenging systemic inequalities. The film prompts reflection on the continued need to address gender disparities in politics and society.
Consider how the suffragists’ dedication to their cause inspires modern movements advocating for social justice and equal rights. Their legacy continues to shape the pursuit of a more equitable world.
XIX. Discussion Points for Classroom Use
Facilitate a discussion on the ethical implications of the suffragists’ more radical tactics, such as picketing and civil disobedience. Were their actions justified given the circumstances?
Analyze the film’s portrayal of the opposition to women’s suffrage. What arguments were used to deny women the right to vote, and how do these arguments reflect societal biases?
Explore the complexities of leadership within the suffrage movement, comparing and contrasting the approaches of Alice Paul and Carrie Chapman Catt. How did their differing strategies contribute to the ultimate success?
XX. Analyzing Character Motivations
Investigate Alice Paul’s unwavering dedication, stemming from a deep-seated belief in equality and social justice. What personal experiences or philosophical convictions fueled her relentless pursuit of suffrage?
Examine Lucy Burns’ commitment, often overshadowed by Paul’s leadership. What drove her to endure imprisonment and force-feeding alongside her fellow activists?
Consider Inez Milholland’s motivations, balancing her public image as a symbol with her personal struggles. How did her background and societal expectations influence her role in the movement?
Discuss how the film portrays the internal conflicts and sacrifices made by these women in their fight for the vote.
XXI. The Portrayal of Male Allies
Analyze the limited, yet significant, depiction of male support within the film. How does “Iron Jawed Angels” showcase the roles of men who aided the suffrage movement, even amidst widespread opposition?
Discuss the complexities of these alliances. Were these men motivated by genuine belief in equality, political strategy, or personal relationships with the suffragists?
Evaluate the film’s choice to primarily focus on the women’s struggle, potentially minimizing the contributions of male allies. Was this a deliberate artistic decision or a historical oversight?
Consider how the portrayal of President Wilson’s eventual support impacts the narrative and understanding of the movement’s success.
XXII. Exploring the Film’s Visual Style
Examine how the film utilizes cinematography to convey the emotional weight and historical context of the suffrage movement. Consider the use of color palettes, lighting, and camera angles.
Analyze the visual contrast between scenes depicting the opulence of political power and the harsh realities faced by the suffragists in prison. How does this contrast reinforce the film’s themes?
Discuss the costume design and its role in portraying the social norms and expectations of women during the early 20th century.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the film’s visual style in creating a compelling and immersive viewing experience, enhancing the audience’s understanding of the era.
XXIII. The Use of Music and Sound in the Film
Investigate how the film’s score amplifies the emotional impact of key scenes, particularly those depicting moments of struggle, sacrifice, and triumph for the suffragists.
Consider the strategic use of silence and ambient sound to create tension and draw attention to the harsh realities of imprisonment and force-feeding.
Analyze how diegetic sound – sounds originating within the film’s world – contributes to the authenticity and immersive quality of the historical setting.
Discuss whether the music and sound design effectively underscore the film’s themes of perseverance, determination, and the fight for social justice.
XXIV. Conclusion: Legacy of the Iron Jawed Angels
Reflect on the film’s enduring power to inspire and educate audiences about the long and arduous struggle for women’s suffrage in the United States.
Assess how “Iron Jawed Angels” contributes to a broader understanding of the historical context and the significance of the 19th Amendment’s ratification.
Consider the film’s impact on public perception of the suffrage movement and its key figures, like Alice Paul and Lucy Burns;
Discuss the film’s relevance to contemporary issues of gender equality, political activism, and the ongoing fight for social justice and voting rights.
