Third-Wave Feminism in Legally Blonde

Third-Wave Feminism in Legally Blonde

Both Amanda Brown’s novel, Legally Blonde, and the film version based on her chick-lit book, emphasize key elements of feminism and seek to empower women.Legally Blonde exemplifies the “strand” of feminism known as the “third-wave” (Dole 87). Third wave feminists seek to reclaim their femininity, and as Carol M. Dole put it, “reclaim pink” (89). The film and novel portray the epitome of a true third-wave feminist, Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon). She is a woman who proudly flashes her girlie appearance, refuses to conform to society’s expectations of women, achieves greatness though her determination and diligence, and celebrates the power of being a blonde in pink. Legally Blonde upholds the theme of girl-power, proving that a woman can be feminine and still be intelligent and successful in whatever she chooses to do.