Feminism (week four)

Thursday 19th March

In this session we discussed the theme of feminism in the play. Feminism is people that want women to be treated equally to men. Wertenbaker is considered to be a feminist as a lot of her work involves fighting for the equality of women and women's rights. Her work also includes how women are seen to be less powerful in comparison to men and that women are considered to be 'the weaker sex'.

Feminism is still around in the present day but female equality is more accepted. One example of feminism in the present day is careers. For example, certain jobs are seen to be a job for males or females only such as being a builder. Women would not be seen to have a job in that area that requires a certain level of strength.

Wertenbaker incorporates her principles into The Love of the Nightingale  in many ways. One way is when Philomele is silenced by having her tongue cut out for standing up for herself and against Tereus. This symbolises that in that time, women did not have the right to speak and did not have the ability to over power men; those who tried to suffered the consequences.

Another way in which feminism is shown is when Tereus returns from the war and wants Procne as his prize. This shows that he saw Procne as an object to be possessed rather than a female person.

Three quotes from The Love of the Nightingale that portray feminism to the audience

Philomele throws the dolls into the circle.
The rape scene is re-enacted in a gross and comic way.

This shows feminism as Philomele is trying to speak about what happened even though she has been silenced by Tereus. She is trying to stand up against him.

Procne - I obeyed all the rules: the rule of parents, the rule of marriage, the rules of my loneliness, you. And now you say. This

Tereus - I have no other words

Procne - I will help you find them

The body of Itys is revealed

If you bend over the stream and search for your reflection, Tereus, this is what it looks like.

This shows feminism as Procne is finally standing up to Tereus and telling him what she truly thinks of him. That he caused all of it and the women had done nothing.

Philomele - Men and women of Thrace, come and listen to the truth about this man --

Tereus - I will keep you quiet

Philomele - Never, as long as I have the words to expose you. The truth, men and women of Thrace, the truth --

Tereus cuts out Philomele's tongue

This shows an act of feminism as Philomele is standing up for herself and wants to expose Tereus for who he really is