Mary MacLane, the Wild Woman from Butte
Mary MacLane, a 19-year-old from Butte, Montana, gained fame in 1902 with her provocative journal, "The Story of Mary MacLane," exploring themes of desire and societal norms, selling nearly 100,000 copies.
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Mary MacLane, a 19-year-old from Butte, Montana, gained international fame in 1902 with her provocative journal, "The Story of Mary MacLane." This work, which she described as a portrayal of her inner life, expressed her deep desires, bisexual longings, and frustrations with youth. Born in 1881 in Canada, MacLane moved to Butte at age ten and faced familial challenges, including her father's death and financial mismanagement by her stepfather. Despite being accepted to Stanford, she remained home to pursue her writing ambitions. Her debut book, originally titled "I Await the Devil’s Coming," chronicles her mundane daily life while revealing her tumultuous inner thoughts. MacLane's candid reflections on her romantic interests, particularly towards women, were groundbreaking for her time. The book received mixed reviews, with some praising its originality while others criticized it harshly. Despite the backlash, MacLane became a cultural phenomenon, selling nearly 100,000 copies in the first month and inspiring various fan clubs and merchandise. Her work and persona challenged societal norms and expectations of women, making her a significant figure in early American literature.
- Mary MacLane became famous for her confessional writing style at age 19.
- Her book "The Story of Mary MacLane" explored themes of desire and youth.
- MacLane faced familial and financial struggles that influenced her writing.
- The book received both praise and criticism, highlighting societal tensions of the time.
- She became a cultural icon, inspiring fan clubs and merchandise.
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4 commentsThis makes me realize the trope of “young person from the west who just wants to GET THE FUCK OUT OF THIS TOWN” is much older than I thought.
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