Gender and Misogyny in Classical Literature: Tracing the Cultural Roots of Misogynistic Attitudes and Their Modern Consequences

Abstract

This paper looks into antiquity and determines the role of gender. Women representation in classical literature and what impact these early imprints cast on the later works. In Classical literature, Women are portrayed as the object of sex, rape and pleasures. Their individual existence is fairly vague but only in connection to male presence. This misogynistic approach took its roots in very early literature, and handed over to us with almost the same features. Female illustration in the Classical Literature is one of such misogynistic theories. Likewise, Reader’s response cannot be marginalized while discussing classical – gender – portrayal. Print-media shapes readers’ lives. How far is it true, needs to be carefully scrutinized in order to indulge in further discussion. Based upon these misogynistic theories, the inferences at the end are startling, presenting before us pathetic picture of social values and customs. We cannot negate the pen-power. No doubt it can mould reader’s mind according to writer’s thinking. The way writer thinks can become the way of thinking of the particular reader too. The whole process is very subtle and imperceptible, even reader himself cannot feel the changes happening in him by reading and absorbing the very ideas of the writer. This game of perception to the paradigm shift is played by the creators of literary caricatures. Statistics about women homicide leave a sour taste in our mouth. And an urge to replenish a whole new standard of writing upon sensitive issues. Continuing focus upon biased pieces of literature would at least diminish the effects, if cannot eliminate it altogether.