The Two Fridas

I feel like pretty much any painting by Frida Kahlo would apply to The Golden Notebook simply because I feel that this particular artist embodies many of the themes we have been discussing in class. She was an active Communist, an outspoken advocate for sexual freedom for women, and was somewhat infamous for her rocky love affairs. In addition, Frida Kahlo's artwork is influenced by the pain throughout her life, particularly the miscarriage she had after her body was permanently damaged in an accident. The other day as we discussed the part in the blue notebook where Anna describes her period and how awful it is, I couldn't help but be reminded of Kahlo's work. I realize that miscarriage and having one's period are not really the same thing, I think the point remains that the two women express troubles unique to their gender. 

I chose this particular painting because of the other passage we discussed the other day in which Anna questions who she is (373). A little research told me that this painting was painted at the time of Frida's divorce from her husband (and another prolific artist) Diego Rivera. It is believed that this painting, entitled "The Two Fridas," was an expression of her feelings as she went through this time. Anna experiences a similar "split" as she struggles on the bus with both being a mother to Janet and being her own person. Frida seems to be struggling with a similar split between her domestic self and her personal self as an individual. 

The historical term that caught my interest was the McCarran Act referenced on p. 233 among the article clippings Anna carefully places in the journal. After a little research I discovered that the act, officially called the McCarran Internal Security Act, required Communist organizations to register with the U.S. Attorney General and established the Subversive Activities Control Board to investigate people suspected of engaging in subversive activities or otherwise promoting the establishment of a totalitarian dictatorship, either fascist or communist. The notebook mentions Title II of the act, which focused on emergency detention of "foreseen threats" to the national security. Title I of the act, officially entitled the Subversive Activities Control Act, which allowed for the U.S. government to basically cross examine whoever they wanted on the grounds that they were somehow ensuring the country's safety (it reminds me a lot of the Muggle-Born Registration Commission in Harry Potter).