The Red Petticoat and Its Pedigree

The Red Petticoat and Its Pedigree

The article, “The Red Petticoat and its Pedigree,” is a timeline of sorts for the hoop skirt for women. The article seems to be dedicated to “...Mrs. Selby, the inventor of the hooped petticoat.” who apparently died from a fever caused by an abundance of anxiety. The creator of this article is a assumedly a man because only men were allowed to write for Harper’s Weekly. The writer of the article tends to be a bit preachy at times with his focus on the female ankle, but it is important to note that that was a big deal back in 1858. It can also be ascertained that the writer has knowledge of, or at least has done research on the history of women’s petticoats. There is no female point of view to this article, rather, it seems to be an outside view of a well-researched male peering inside the world of women’s fashion. The article, at times, is also pretty comical with a kind of dry humor that can definitely still be considered funny today. For instance, the article refers to the old-style of hoop skirts that were not circular but oblong as “...projections...known by the inelegant but intelligible name of “pairs of “hips.”” and even adds a piece from a play that is quite humorous, “”I’ faith, Maria,” says the young lady in the shocking old play, “some varlet has run off with my new hips.”” He also references a humorous story from the Tattler in which “the trial of a young lady for obstructing the highway with her hoops” was a feature. According to the article, when women do not show their ankles it gives the female form a much-needed “sturdier base.” Eventually, even Queen Victoria adopted the visible ankle to which he states “But who shall dare to criticise a monarch’s ankle?” The article finally finishes off with the current fashion at the time’s featured scarlet petticoat which originated from the “Highland girls” in the U.K. and that the United States had adopted them and how the new invention is purely good since it allowed for easier movement and a bit more practicality due to shorter petticoat length and how the garb will be less likely to get dirty. The use of humor in this article is quite interesting because it offers a glimpse at how a type of humor was utilized in the 1850’s to make an article about the history of fashion interesting to read. However, a skeptical view of this is that is this article mocking to women of the day? The use of hoops as the butt of a joke can probably seem to demeaning to such a society-required staple for the female gender of the day. One could take many viewpoints to analyzing this article, although it may be dedicatory, is the humor meant to be purely light-hearted or is it in more of a mocking tone?

Harper's Weekly

"The Red Petticoat and Its Pedigree." Harper's Weekly 13 Feb. 1858: 100-01. Web. 16 Sept. 2015. [CORRECT CITATION NEEDED]

Harper's Weekly

Shayla Moore