Counterhegemonic acts: Appropriation as a feminist rhetorical strategy

In this essay, the rhetorical strategy of feminist appropriation is explored in order to assess its function as a counterhegemonic tactic. Two instances of feminist rhetorical appropriation are analyzed‐the Australian film, Shame, as an appropriation of the classic Western, Shane; and Margaret Atwood's poems, “Orpheus (1) “ and “Eurydice,” as a collective appropriation of the classical Greek myth. As a result of these analyses, an explication of the specific strategy employed in each case is advanced, and the implications of appropriation as a counterhegemonic strategy to the end of social change are considered.