Betty Draper: diálogos com história, moda e feminismo na série televisiva Mad Men

Abstract

Through a historical and cultural analysis of the television series Mad Men, attentive to its representations as particular understandings of the world, we sought to understand how the costumes and little changeable characterizations of the character Betty Draper are related to the tragic intricacies of her dramatic arc. Thus, for better understanding, the analysis was divided into different moments. The first refers in her conception as "Queen of the home", where her strongly delicate appearance with round dresses and defined waists, are understood under the bias of narrative fit, comfortable to the patriarchal demands of her role as middleclass wife and mother, heiress of the post-war period in treating man as the hero and core of the family. Later, her disengagement is articulated, in contrast to other female characters in the plot, intended in their struggles for equality, wearing pants, shirts, miniskirts and dresses in bright colors, the costume and characterization of Betty changes little, remaining in the conservative aspect and delicate of her clothes, highlighting her fragile and slender silhouette. Thus, covering discussions in the field of History, gender studies, fashion, costumes and communication, the investigation intends to contribute to another interpretation of the character, not restricted to his antagonized readings, but linked to a historical perspective, where his ways of life are understood in conflict with the power relations of a patriarchal society.