The evolution of literature throughout different ages captures thematic concerns key among them being the place and role of women in society. Across different historical timelines, women have contributed critical roles in advancing human civilization. A look into different ages of history showcases women roles as critical and influential. This paper discusses different periods in history and how women in these timelines held roles that included political leaders, spiritual representatives, sexuality and femininity depending on the age of literature they were documented.
Greek mythology represents some of the earlier timelines in human civilization with literary works from the age representing women as sexual beings. Greek mythology captures the manipulation of women by both men and Gods as beings of pleasure. In essence, women had no will or freedom against their male counterparts.
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Medieval literature is the other genre of historic timeline portrays women as sexual beings that prioritized the desires of the earthly longings as compared. Different characters in this age are depicted through the eyes of Eve and Mary. Women spirituality was always questioned in the medieval age as they were considered weak in faith.
Elizabethan literature alludes to the themes of Misogyny and the inferiority of women before their male counterparts. In this age of spirituality and renaissance, women were largely considered fallible partners who were distrusted. The attitude of the age is continuously emphasized in Christian literature in the form of “Virgin Mary,” whose identity had to emphasize her virginity as a sexual figure as well as her trustworthiness as a partner.
Victorian and the 20th Century of Modern literature redefined the place of women in society. The Victorian literature redefined the position of women from a home-centered and sexual image as previously portrayed by previous works of literature; the age acknowledges women as crucial contributors to human civilization. The 20th century enhanced the Elizabethan elevation of women. Women in present society are empowered as their male counterparts. Women today are considered leaders of the world with equal rights and opinion in their homes as well as other areas of responsibility.
