English & Literature

Why do authors create the femme fatale?

The femme fatale is very important in hard boiled detective fiction. Does Chandler use the femme fatale differently than Hammet?

Asked by georgeJR on 24 Apr 02:46

Last updated by anonymous on 08 Aug 21:12

3 Answers

Answered by thepowerofkevin on 24 Apr 09:55

The phrase is french for "deadly woman". A femme fatale tries to achieve her hidden purpose by using feminine wiles such as beauty, charm, and sexual allure. This is used by the writer as a complex red herring. The femme fatale is used to help the main character into a trap which is their own fault. Also many stories with these were written in a time in which only men read such books. This would appeal to these men.

Answered by cmarshall95 on 29 Apr 23:25

Femme fatale literally means "fatal woman" in French. According to the movie Mildred Pierce, it can be defined as "the kind of woman men want...but shouldn't have!". Ever seen females who are seductive and alluring, yet clever, a bit evil, and mysterious? Like Poison Ivy or Cat Woman? Allure, mystery, and classy, dark glamour embody the femme fatale. You can become one too!

Answered by anonymous on 08 Aug 21:12

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