Monstrous, Sensual, and Unapologetic : Shurpanakha and Lilith, the Villainesses of Cautionary Tales
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Authors
Dave, Talia
Issue Date
2023-11-01
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Literature old and new has continued to attempt to give voice to characters who are often overlooked, though women would likely still fail to be represented properly. In Judeo-Christian literature, Eve is an ideal and prominent female figure portrayed as a pure and subordinate woman and in Sanskrit traditions and literature, Sita is represented similarly. While both women reside in neat and clean pedestals beneath their male partners, Adam and Rama, there are two women who are their “polar opposites.” Lilith and Shurpanakha are two women from these ancient texts that are often used as cautionary tales to prevent women from becoming like them. This research provides insight as to why they have been labeled as bad, or even evil characters, while also demonstrating ways in which media and literature has uplifted or failed to rewrite their stories. The importance of discussing the good and the bad is that we are able to dissect and understand more about religious narratives, its implications, and ultimately, ourselves and where we fit.
Description
v, 54 p.
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo, Mich. : Kalamazoo College
License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder.