Description
This thesis is an exploration of two mediums of personal, autobiographical narratives: chapters from an incomplete written autobiography and a selection of speeches. These personal narratives belong to Margaret "Midge" Costanza, who, in 1977, became the first female Assistant to the President in President Jimmy Carter's administration. This study, through its use of literary, political, and feminist theories and methodologies, seeks to evaluate a feminist pioneer's autobiographical construction. Midge Costanza experienced great political and personal successes, which provided her with a platform upon which she encouraged her multitudinous publics and audiences to seek for themselves equality, success, existence, and political recognition. Costanza illustrated through her autobiographical narratives the importance of being willing to fight -- and for her, without a fight, human dignity and human rights were impossible to obtain.
