Telegraphic Imagery In Gunn's The Warrior

I agree with Dr. Mary Fairclough’s contention that the “telegraphic imagery demonstrates the possibility that an entirely figurative language of universal telegraphic communication might have material effects against legal and economic repression of political dissent” (27). This historical underpinning allows me to further Dr. Fairclough’s argument and focus on the female power and revolution that Gunn creates in the text. Gunn is able to exist outside of the wired space and imagined female fragility. Gunn’s ability to defeat the Sanguine Scot and his telegrams when Gunn writes “The Creek flew to the rescue, and, when order was finally restored, the woman who had defied the Sanguine Scot and his telegrams, entered the forest that fringes the

In a book review in The Register, titled “A WOMAN OUTBACK,” the commentator questions why Gunn ends with the tragic death of her husband (12). The commentator also argues whether or not the text is actually of the novel genre. The commentator seems to belittle the work of Gunn. I contend the response of the author comes from the overwhelming expression of female empowerment the writer expressing. The authors questions, why is the male not left dominant in the end? Is Gunn credible if she promotes female

Smith writes:

I do not think that the dictation by men to women as to their proper position of sphere will do much towards helping the solution of the matter. That which women proves she can do as well as man, she has the right to do: let men see to her doing more effectively the things which they contend they can do so much better than women (47).

I argue that Gunn is making a similar argument in her novel. Gunn is making a declaration about female empowerment saying that women can operate in male spaces, easily and effectively. They can be in the bush or in the telegraph office. Women can outlive men when the fever comes around. Women can provide for themselves after their husband passes away. Stereotypically, women are associated with gossip; however, Gunn argues that she has the ability to overcome gossip from men or women. Even though the creation of the telegram centered around the French Revolution and imperialism, the personification of the telegram leads the reader to imagine the telegram as existing outside of human control. Like social media, the telegram’s obsession and the desire for gossip give the telegram power to control humans. Like Frankenstein, it is hard to control the impact of a created thing once it is