Rape and revenge in SF

Rape revenge is a frequent device that authors give to their female characters. Female characters are often triggered into heroism, vigilantism, or activism by seeking revenge for a rape. (Male characters may be triggered into the same by seeking revenge for the rape of one of their family members or loved ones.)

Rape and Revenge (R&R) represents a theme in SF/F that came to prominence in the 60's/70's when more female protagonists began to appear. The basic theme is that the main character is a victim of rape and goes on to seek revenge on her attackers which provides the catalyst for her emergence as a hero. Often carries thwe whiff of sexism when rape is used as the only reason for female empowerment, playing to stereotypes that belie any idea of a woman as wanting to be a hero. Note that like most themes this can be done with respect and done well.

Examples

• Mercedes Lackey
• Numerous stories in Marion Zimmer Bradley's Swords and Sorceress series, as well as in Marion Zimmer Bradley's Fantasy Magazine and anthologies
• Naomi Kritzer, Freedom's Gate and sequels
• Suzy McKee Charnas' Motherlines series generally

counter works

• The Kin of Ata Are Waiting for You by Dorothy Bryant

See also

• Rape in SF
• Rapability

Discussions, criticism, analysis

• The Fantasy of Rape: The Use of Rape as a Catalyst on Female Protagonists in SF/F, Naamenblog + comment thread on FSFblog, and relatedly, rape in SF and female protagonists who did not experience sexual assault
• Feminist SF! the blog for discussion of use of this plot in one set of novels.

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