Publicação
The villainization of women in greek mythology: a feminist reading of Medusa, Circe, and Medea
| Resumo: | Classical mythology is undoubtedly the most well-known mythology in today’s society, having survived for centuries through oral and written tradition. Many of its myths are now part of the general culture and are referenced in all types of media – from books of all genres, to paintings, films, and even music. Many of the women in classical mythology, however, have been considered villains, or represented as such, in the myths in which they are present. This dissertation argues that this treatment is the result of pure misogyny. And that when studied through a modern feminist lens – the central objective of the work – their stories reflect the deep-rooted and constant patriarchal ideas that have always served to discourage and denigrate women. In particular, it analyses the various written versions of three major figures: Medusa, Circe, and Medea. Using a literary and comparative strategy, the dissertation studies the many instances of misogyny explored in the works related to these three figures, from the sexualisation and objectification of women to male paternalism. This dissertation thus deals with many ancient – and modern – sexist thoughts and tries to illustrate how much still needs to be done to dismantle these patriarchal values that have long functioned as pillars of our society. |
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| Autores principais: | Lima, Mariana Botelho |
| Assunto: | Circe Feminism Medea Medusa Mythology Feminismo Medeia Mitologia |
| Ano: | 2024 |
| País: | Portugal |
| Tipo de documento: | dissertação de mestrado |
| Tipo de acesso: | acesso aberto |
| Instituição associada: | Universidade do Minho |
| Idioma: | inglês |
| Origem: | RepositóriUM - Universidade do Minho |
| Resumo: | Classical mythology is undoubtedly the most well-known mythology in today’s society, having survived for centuries through oral and written tradition. Many of its myths are now part of the general culture and are referenced in all types of media – from books of all genres, to paintings, films, and even music. Many of the women in classical mythology, however, have been considered villains, or represented as such, in the myths in which they are present. This dissertation argues that this treatment is the result of pure misogyny. And that when studied through a modern feminist lens – the central objective of the work – their stories reflect the deep-rooted and constant patriarchal ideas that have always served to discourage and denigrate women. In particular, it analyses the various written versions of three major figures: Medusa, Circe, and Medea. Using a literary and comparative strategy, the dissertation studies the many instances of misogyny explored in the works related to these three figures, from the sexualisation and objectification of women to male paternalism. This dissertation thus deals with many ancient – and modern – sexist thoughts and tries to illustrate how much still needs to be done to dismantle these patriarchal values that have long functioned as pillars of our society. |
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