In part three of our Riverdale series, we dive into the shows characters and their many facets. We dig a little deeper into the literary discussion we started in part 2 by looking at the themes and devices used to distinguish and develop Riverdale’s teens. We also explore the psychological implications of perfection as experienced by several of the female characters.
Literary References
Gothic Fiction
Riverdale has some elements of Gothic fiction, though it is not a Gothic story overall. The Gothic elements include
- Place as Character: Riverdale as the Antihero
- young woman (Veronica) arriving in a new, mysterious place that is character in itself and that is hiding secret dangers
Psychological References
Madonna-Whore Complex
- Betty and Veronica
- Cheryl
Psychological Impacts of Perfection
We also take a look at the different ways that the women of Riverdale combat the confines of perfection that have been thrust upon them. Our conversation focuses here on how different the following women face this ideal that women must be pristine examples of purity.
- Betty
- Veronica
- Josie
- Cheryl
Further Reading
Pop DNA Podcast 