Bechdel-Wallace and “literary tests”

 The Bechdel-Wallace Test is a simple yet powerful tool for measuring gender representation in literature. The test, which was originally introduced in a comic strip by Alison Bechdel in 1985 (and credited in part to her friend Liz Wallace), has become widely used by feminists and gender activists to identify and criticize the lack of gender diversity in works of fiction. Let us explore the Bechdel-Wallace Test in literature and its significance in promoting gender equity.

Alison Bechdel

The Bechdel-Wallace Test consists of three criteria that a work of fiction must meet to pass the test. First, the work must have at least two named female characters. Second, these characters must have a conversation with each other. Third, the conversation must not be about a man.

The criteria may seem simple, but the test is surprisingly effective in identifying gender bias in literature. Many works of fiction, particularly in mainstream media, fail to pass the test. This means that female characters are often relegated to supporting roles and are not given the same level of agency as male characters.

The Bechdel-Wallace Test has become a widely used tool for measuring gender representation in literature. It has been used to analyze a wide range of works, from classic literature to contemporary bestsellers. The test has revealed a persistent lack of gender diversity in literature, and it has sparked important discussions about the representation of women in fiction.

One of the key strengths of the Bechdel-Wallace Test is its simplicity. The test does not require a detailed analysis of the work's content or themes. Instead, it focuses on a few basic criteria that are easy to assess. This simplicity has made the test accessible to a wide range of people, including those who may not have a background in literary analysis.

Another strength of the Bechdel-Wallace Test is its ability to spark important discussions about gender representation in literature. When a work fails to pass the test, it prompts readers to question why female characters are not given the same level of agency as male characters. This can lead to discussions about the representation of women in literature, the role of gender in storytelling, and the ways in which gender bias can be perpetuated through fiction.

A cartoon by Alison Bechdel describing the test

The Bechdel-Wallace Test has also been criticized for its limitations. Some critics argue that the test is too simplistic and that it does not take into account the complexity of gender representation in literature. Others argue that the test is too narrow and that it only focuses on the representation of women, ignoring the experiences of other marginalized groups.

While these criticisms are valid, it is important to recognize that the Bechdel-Wallace Test was never intended to be a comprehensive measure of gender representation in literature. Instead, it is a starting point for discussions about gender diversity and representation. The test is meant to raise awareness about the lack of gender diversity in literature and to encourage writers, publishers, and readers to think critically about the representation of women in fiction.

Despite its limitations, the Bechdel-Wallace Test has had a significant impact on the literary world. Many writers, publishers, and readers have taken the test to heart and have used it to advocate for greater gender diversity in literature. Some publishers have even adopted the test as a standard for their publications, requiring that works of fiction meet the test's criteria before they are published.

The Bechdel-Wallace Test has also inspired other tests and tools for measuring gender representation in literature. For example, the Mako Mori Test, named after a character in the film Pacific Rim, measures whether a work of fiction has at least one female character who has her own narrative arc that is not dependent on a male character. The DuVernay Test, named after filmmaker Ava DuVernay, measures whether a work of fiction has a person of color in a position of agency.

Mako Mori was played by Rinko Kikuchi (pictured)

Ultimately, literature is grounded in the social norms of its day. As norms shift, tests will be developed to determine whether the literature matches new norms. The Bechdel-Wallace test is among many that give modern writers the key to matching the current moral and ethical zeitgeist - ensuring that, above all, their work is relevant to, and respectful of, the reader.