Perhaps the most familiar legends are the greek stories describing them as female monsters. Wilk begins by refamiliarizing readers with the story through ancient authors and classical. Nov 12, 2019 used as a symbol of female rage, feminists such as elana dykewomon in her 1976 collection of lesbian stories and poems, they will know me by my teeth, employed the image of medusa on her. Jun 26, 2000 this lavishly illustrated book starts off exploring the variations in the medusa and perseus myth, then goes on to explore gorgons in art, gorgons around the world, possible explanations for the common appearance of the gorgon face, how astronomy fits in with the myth, gorgons and gargoyles this was a really good chapter. Medusa, the gorgon, who turns those who gaze upon her to stone, is one of the most popular and enduring figures of greek mythology. This particular moment of female rage has an avatar. Anthropologists have identified the premycenaean culture of greece as primarily matriarchic. A compelling consideration of the rage that continues to shape womens lives, pointing to its personal and cultural roots, its expression in classic and popular culture, its manifestations in disordersfrom depression to bulimiaand its potential as a fuel for selfrealization and success. The authors musings are set in the frame of the medusa myth, to which they. Diverse legends give differing versions of the origins of the gorgons. Drawing on examples from mythology particularly the myth of medusa, literature, and film, as well as interviews with women and psychotherapists, valentis and devane. It strikes me as significant that these books about womens anger all. I give it three stars for the medusa myth and its retelling. In female rage, mary valentis and anne devane, both professors of literature.
Long after many other figures from greek myth have been forgotten, she continues to live in popular culture. In order to read online or download medusa s hair ebooks in pdf, epub, tuebl and mobi format, you need to create a free account. Solving the mystery of the gorgon kindle edition by wilk, stephen r download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. Medusa, a class victim of women enabling the patriarchy. In the greek mythological pantheon, the gorgon medusa stands a head above all others in her power to terrify. The book was written in the 90s, so some of the references were a bit dated, but it is still very relevant. This site is like a library, use search box in the widget to get ebook that you want.
He even quotes someone who quotes a schoolboy saying the. Its not surprising that angry women, when they do appear in western art history, often take the form of goddesses or monsters. With medusa as their muse, and jill soloway as their spiritual guide, medusa is a blood boiler, a stealthy deconstruction, and one of feminisms great reclamations. The medusa is a subtle and unusual example of this kind of demonization. In a 1986 article for the magazine woman of power entitled gorgons. The female students in my novel are taking a class called women. From acclaimed feminist theatre makers julia croft, virginia frankovich and nisha madhan comes a new work of dissection and dissent on female bodies, female violence and female rage. So, a blind woman and a medusa walk along the road a treasure trove of short encounters, story hooks, and random tablesthat can make that long journey to the next adventur. A roman cameo from the second or third century contains her head. Literature professors at the state university of new york, the authors analyze womens rage and how it can wreak havoc or serve as a wakeup call, drawing on examples from myth, especially vignettes from the story of medusa, which begin each chapter the medea legend also comes up frequently. Finally, the history of the gorgon since tlassical times is explored, culminating in the modern use of medusa as a symbol of female rage and female creativity. May 25, 2009 medusa has also been adopted as a symbol of female rage. This book gives readers a closeup look at this snakehaired horror. Medusa is presented by q matchbox and zanetti productions and plays at q theatre.
Medusas victory is quite different than perseuss, in the eyes of one. Perseus and the gorgon medusa download ebook pdf, epub. Medusa has deconstructed all the patriarchal logos that has stemmed since the time of ovid, and given us a glimpse of an alternative world. Medusa project gutenberg selfpublishing ebooks read. The historic emblem of female rage is reclaimed and brandished in all its glory in medusa, created by visionary feminist theatre makers nisha madhan, julia croft and virginia frankovich. The original greek myth of medusa offers plenty to be angry about. Solving the mystery of the gorgon kindle edition by. In feminism medusa is known as a symbol of rage even though she was originally exceedingly beautiful. Unlocking its secrets, claiming its power by mary valentis and anne devane notes that when we asked women what female rage looks like to them, it was always medusa, the snakyhaired monster of myth, who came to mind in one interview after another we were told that medusa is the most horrific woman in the world. A brief history of female rage in art, from artemisia. It explores the impact of womens unexpressed and well contained rage using the myth of medusa as a metaphor.
The cover featured the image of a gorgon, which the editors explained can be a map to guide. Recasting medusa as a symbol of female strength and sexual power, the authors recommend that, instead of repressing or denying their anger, women get in touch with their inner medusa, utilize their power, and find rational ways to direct their rage. Pdf medusa s hair ebooks includes pdf, epub and kindle. We cannot guarantee that medusa s hair book is in the library, but if you are still not sure with the service, you can choose free trial service. Medusa has also been adopted as a symbol of female rage. The cover featured the image of a gorgon, which the editors explained can be a map to guide us through our terrors, through the depths of our anger into the. The cover featured the image of the gorgon medusa by froggi lupton, which the editors on the inside cover. Their description as monstrous suits the gorgons status as enemies of the greeks.
Wilk begins by refamiliarizing readers with the story through ancient authors and classical artwork, then looks at the various interpretations given to the meaning of the myth throughout the ages, offers new interpretations of the myth and meaning of medusa, and explores the history of the gorgon since classical times. A tepidarium from the roman era has a mosaic floor with her head at the center. Used as a symbol of female rage, feminists such as elana dykewomon in her. Medusas visage has since been adopted by many women as a symbol of female rage. Traisters book argues that female rage has often been the catalyst for political and social change.
The medusa statue that became a symbol of feminist rage quartz. The mythological figure of medusa, that primary trope of female sex uality, is a good. Oct 15, 2018 traisters book argues that female rage has often been the catalyst for political and social change. And yet, we know that when women express their anger, they risk being seen as hysterical, overly emotional, and unserious, even if the reasons for their fury are entirely legitimate. Starting with details about medusas history, physical features, and supernatural powers, the text continues with a retelling of the classic myth of perseus. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading medusa. A face for contemporary womens rage, emily erwin culpepper, wrote that. And yet, we know that when women express their anger, they risk being seen as hysterical, overly emotional, and unserious, even if the. Click download or read online button to get perseus and the gorgon medusa book now. In female rage, mary valentis and anne devane, both professors of literature, confront rage headon, explaining why it is epidemic among women, why women need to acknowledge it, and how they can use it to empower their lives. Medusa s visage has since been adopted by many women as a symbol of female rage. The cover featured the image of a gorgon, which the editors explained can be a map to guide us through our terrors, through the depths of our anger into the sources of our power as women.
With a head of poisonous snakes and a murderous gaze, medusa has come to epitomise female monstrosity. The phenomenon of female anger has often been turned against itself, the figure of the angry woman reframed as threat not the one who has been harmed, but the one bent on harming. In one interview after another we were told that medusa is the most horrific woman in the world. A journal of liberation in their issue one, volume six for 1978. Medusa mosaic roman period, national archaeological museum, athens. It guides us into exploring ourselves and our suppressed anger and rage. Unlocking its secrets, claiming its power by mary valentis and anne devane notes that when we asked women what female rage looks like to them, it was always medusa, the snakyhaired monster of myth, who came to mind. Download perseus and the gorgon medusa or read online books in pdf, epub, tuebl, and mobi format. In this fascinating study of the legend of medusa, stephen r. Unlocking its secrets, claiming its power valentis, mary on. Book recommendations, author interviews, editors picks, and more.
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