Analysis of“Marge Simpson, Blue Haired Housewife: Defining Domesticity on The Simpsons.”

4 Steps of Academic writing:

1.     Introduce topic

2.     Define key terms/ideas

3.     Disscuss/explain

4.     Use example

Analysis:

       The academic paper“Marge Simpson, Blue Haired Housewife: Defining Domesticity on The Simpsons” by Jessamyn Neuhaus obeys the rules of writing an academic paper.

       At the beginning of this paper, Neuhaus proposes the background of the topic first that “the meaning and relevance of The Simpsons to American society” is a hot argument nowadays. Next, she concludes many questions from Simpsons observers about this TV show. Then, she introduces the topic generally as “The Simpsons satirizes the mythology of sitcom suburban families and that Marge Simpson’s character reveals the fictionality of the televised housewife in subtle and blatant ways”(Neuhaus).

       Second, Neuhaus defines key characters in The Simpsons (Homer & Marge) and other mentioned Television shows. For examples, Neuhaus explains that Homer is “boorish, greedy, lazy, clumsy” and Marge is sensitive to the needs of family and more intelligent than Homer.

Third, Neuhaus discusses and explains the topic by two ways. One is comparing The Simpson with other old Television shows. For example, the systems of family of The Simpson and TV shows like Father Knows Best are different totally.  The general system of sitcom suburban families is like mythology. While females are playing domestic role, males play centered role, especially fathers. However, the roles of male and female are exchanged in The Simpson. Another one is using examples from episodes to supporting her ideas. In this paper, the author mentions Marge’s blue high hair. And the hair is discussed for a long paragraphs that it has different implying meanings in different situations.

What is the marge’s role? How is it represented?

       Marge is not only a domestic character, but also a main character who plays an important role for satirizing the American ideal nuclear family in The Simpsons. Her personality and behaviors reveal that sitcom suburban housewives are unrealistic. The satire, irony and symbol are main methods to represent Marge’s role.