A new stage adaptation of Muriel Spark’s The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by David Harrower, starring Gayle Rankin, aims to recontextualize the narrative, moving beyond the 1969 film. Spark’s novel subtly critiques fascism through the character of Miss Jean Brodie, a charismatic teacher who influences her students while harboring admiration for political figures like Mussolini and Hitler. Brodie’s teaching style exemplifies “microfascism,” where authoritarian tendencies manifest in ordinary relationships, leading her students to obedience under the guise of freedom.
The article emphasizes the tension between security and independence in Brodie’s classroom, showcasing how her certainty gives her students a sense of belonging and purpose, while also illustrating the dangers of such indoctrination. Spark’s stylistic brilliance, particularly through the use of flash-forwards that reveal the tragic outcomes of Brodie’s influence, serves as a cautionary warning against those who manipulate narratives of destiny.
As the article reflects on historical and contemporary echoes of Spark’s themes, it notes possible parallels between Brodie’s teachings and political rhetoric from figures like Margaret Thatcher, hinting at the seductive nature of authoritarianism that could emerge in new forms, potentially even female ones. In summation, Spark’s work remains a powerful examination of complicity and the emotional roots of fascism in modern society.
