The Role of Women in “The Ramayana” and “Paradise Lost”
“The Ramayana” and “Paradise lost” are two pieces of literature, which explores the roles and duties of women and what it takes to be a good woman in the eyes of society. Both stories are of ancient times and classical period; they tend to explain the existence of two distinct cultures from different perspectives. While “The Ramayana” explores the goals of human life “Paradise Lost” is a retelling of the story the “Fall of Man.” However, both stories demonstrate ways in which society has imposed strict guidelines, rules, and norms in which women were expected to behave in order to be considered a good woman, wife, and mother. “The Ramayana” describes the life of several leading female …show more content…
According to the Manu law, while Sita is portrayed in “The Ramayana” as a perfect wife, mother, and woman, she is still a possession of the men in her life and bound to their urges. “I myself will gladly give away… Sita and even my own life, …this is done in the obedience of my father’s command” (Valmiki 1177). In the Laws of Manu, all women are viewed in this way, as untrustworthy whores who must be watched at all times. It is automatically assumed that women are corrupt in this way. In “The Ramayana’s,” Sita is seen as something unusual and different from the ordinary woman precisely because she behaves in a manner that is away from the standard of the Laws of Manu. From her pedestal of perfection, Sita illustrates the ideal obedient, beautiful, and dutiful woman. She is the mythical, unattainable standard to which the fickle, unfaithful women of the Laws of Manu are held. Supranahka, on the other hand, is portrayed as an example of the Women of Manu …show more content…
She is depicted as being innocent, rebellious, and inferior to Adam; she is also compassionate and curious. Eve wanted to prove to Adam that she can be his equal; therefore, she demanded more freedom and responsibility. “Eve, always more independent than Adam, wants to work alone…when she suspected her husband’s mistrusts of her ability to withstand the temptation of Satan. She became resistant” (Milton 772). In many traditions, the man is the head of the woman; however, Milton presented Eve in the state of subjection and submission to Adam. Other critics stated that Milton’s language suggests that Eve’s rebellion against the distribution of sex roles and God-ordained hierarchy confined her to a position of subjection (Desser). Thus, “…. So spoke the patriarch of mankind; but Eve persisted; yet submissive (Milton 823). Women were not given a choice; therefore, their choices were not of free
“The Ramayana” and “Paradise lost” are two pieces of literature, which explores the roles and duties of women and what it takes to be a good woman in the eyes of society. Both stories are of ancient times and classical period; they tend to explain the existence of two distinct cultures from different perspectives. While “The Ramayana” explores the goals of human life “Paradise Lost” is a retelling of the story the “Fall of Man.” However, both stories demonstrate ways in which society has imposed strict guidelines, rules, and norms in which women were expected to behave in order to be considered a good woman, wife, and mother. “The Ramayana” describes the life of several leading female …show more content…
According to the Manu law, while Sita is portrayed in “The Ramayana” as a perfect wife, mother, and woman, she is still a possession of the men in her life and bound to their urges. “I myself will gladly give away… Sita and even my own life, …this is done in the obedience of my father’s command” (Valmiki 1177). In the Laws of Manu, all women are viewed in this way, as untrustworthy whores who must be watched at all times. It is automatically assumed that women are corrupt in this way. In “The Ramayana’s,” Sita is seen as something unusual and different from the ordinary woman precisely because she behaves in a manner that is away from the standard of the Laws of Manu. From her pedestal of perfection, Sita illustrates the ideal obedient, beautiful, and dutiful woman. She is the mythical, unattainable standard to which the fickle, unfaithful women of the Laws of Manu are held. Supranahka, on the other hand, is portrayed as an example of the Women of Manu …show more content…
She is depicted as being innocent, rebellious, and inferior to Adam; she is also compassionate and curious. Eve wanted to prove to Adam that she can be his equal; therefore, she demanded more freedom and responsibility. “Eve, always more independent than Adam, wants to work alone…when she suspected her husband’s mistrusts of her ability to withstand the temptation of Satan. She became resistant” (Milton 772). In many traditions, the man is the head of the woman; however, Milton presented Eve in the state of subjection and submission to Adam. Other critics stated that Milton’s language suggests that Eve’s rebellion against the distribution of sex roles and God-ordained hierarchy confined her to a position of subjection (Desser). Thus, “…. So spoke the patriarch of mankind; but Eve persisted; yet submissive (Milton 823). Women were not given a choice; therefore, their choices were not of free