The Role of Women in Literature: From King Arthur to Margaret Atwood
Department
English and Technical Communication
Major
English and Philosophy
Research Advisor
Burgess, Olivia
Advisor's Department
English and Technical Communication
Abstract
As a civilization, one goal we've strived for is total equality. However, within the realm of literature, women have continued to be objects of ridicule and subjugation for years. Looking at the depiction of women from Middle English texts, Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales and the Chronicles of King Arthur, it is clear how they were viewed in society then. By examining those texts next to the image of women from Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, this paper shows how the gap between sexes still exists in literature, and that the role of women now is but a culmination of earlier traits.
Biography
Matthew is a senior majoring in both English and Philosophy, with a minor in German studies. He is from Evergreen Park, IL, on the outskirts of Chicago. He plans to graduate in May 2014, and continue his education in either linguistic studies or journalism.
Research Category
Arts and Humanities
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Document Type
Presentation
Award
Arts and humanities oral presentation, Third place
Location
Carver Room
Presentation Date
03 Apr 2013, 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
The Role of Women in Literature: From King Arthur to Margaret Atwood
Carver Room
As a civilization, one goal we've strived for is total equality. However, within the realm of literature, women have continued to be objects of ridicule and subjugation for years. Looking at the depiction of women from Middle English texts, Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales and the Chronicles of King Arthur, it is clear how they were viewed in society then. By examining those texts next to the image of women from Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, this paper shows how the gap between sexes still exists in literature, and that the role of women now is but a culmination of earlier traits.
