The evolution of a feminist discourse in teen-based series involving the Charles Bukowski Persona: A study of intermedial references in "Beverly Hills 90210", "13 Reasons Why", and "Maid'

Abstract

This article explores the use of Charles Bukowski’s texts and his image in teen-based series since the 1990s in the United States. Charles Bukowski, a Californian poet from the mid-twentieth century, has entered popular culture through the making of a persona. Known as a drunk poet, a womanizer, and an outsider of literature, his texts are considered by many as anti-feminist, anti-women overall, and on the threshold of pornography. However, since the 1990s a trend has occurred in teen-based series in the United States. Bukowski is quoted, referenced, or mentioned by female protagonists in these shows. From a variety of intermedial references – a quote, a book cover, the name of the author uttered by the three protagonists studied – this article aims to demonstrate that Bukowski’s texts and images are used in teen-based series alongside a growing feminist discourse. His direct, blunt, and honest style about the difficulties of life on the margins and his literary outsider status are both used by the female protagonists in their teenage or early adulthood years and show the evolution of a feminist discourse in such series, from domination to empowerment.