tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4642584784595208250.post5946211135593124878..comments2022-03-22T16:21:32.476-04:00Comments on IT'S A MAD, MAD WORLD: The Roots of Counterculture: The Beat Movement in Mad MenDamned Mob of Scribbling Studentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15612188035583429328noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4642584784595208250.post-72054445758482294412011-03-02T22:44:57.168-05:002011-03-02T22:44:57.168-05:00I agree that Midge and Betty are designed to be fo...I agree that Midge and Betty are designed to be foils of each other. Betty represents the 1950s suburban ideal housewife (that probably never existed) and Midge is the 1960s intellectual revolutionary that campaigns for socialism, peace, and free love. Although Betty would judge Midge as a disgusting hipster that should be locked up, Midge would be equally displeased with the "square" Betty. It is also interesting to note that although Betty is an ideal of sorts, Midge is a much happier and fulfilled person. Betty who, as a caregiver and mother is seen as a productive and important (though not especially valued) member of society, suffers from depression. While, Midge whose underground lifestyle as a tree smoking, Miles Davis listening, adulterous painter would seen as unacceptable by the standards of the time, lives a content and happy life. It will be interesting to see if Midge (now burnt out on heroin) reappears later in the series as the beat movement eventually evolves into the hippie movement.Dan Bnoreply@blogger.com