blog




  • Essay / The oppression of women in the epic of Gilgamesh and Perspolis

    In the epic of Gilgamesh and Perspolis, there are many similarities: the respective society oppresses women in different ways in each story. In both stories, strong female characters display their strength and perseverance through sexual expression as a way to survive in this environment in order to restore balance and regain control. Additionally, family and power in the Epic of Gilgamesh and Persepolis are two permanent key factors. In the next few paragraphs, I will explain the similarities between the two novels related to the oppression of women. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh is described as a god, a hero, and a leader. How can a person presented as such also be a rapist? Personally, I don't believe that Gilgamesh can be described as such a superior being. In the novel of Gilgamesh, there are many parts of the story that I find disturbing. One of the most disturbing aspects is the abuse of women and the use of hideous sexual acts to gain control. It is also worth noting that even women of higher status were still listed not by name but as being the wife of a man, thus continuing the idea that the woman was an object under the command of a man. The epic begins with Gilgamesh sleeping with all the women of Uruk before the daughters are released from their custody by mothers and fathers and before the husbands enjoy the caresses of their wives. Unlike women with prestigious names and occupying different positions in society, their sexuality was not shown by female citizens. In the novel Epic of Gilgamesh it says: "The Goddess kept hearing their complaints", this shows us that women and men felt disrespected and ignored by the "strangely perfect" Gilgamesh. By sleeping with women who were not his and who did not belong to him, Gilgamesh began to bring chaos and confusion to the land of Uruk. Gilgamesh's selfish and unrepentant actions, however, made women impure before their time. Ishtar played a vital role in the story as she wanted Gilgamesh lovingly and sexually, but by sending him the Bull of Heaven, when he rejected her, she showed him no mercy and her anger. Enkidu remarks: “If I had caught you too, I would have treated you the same way, I would have draped your arms in his bowels!” " This example is yet another point where, unlike the gods, they blatantly disrespect women and the gods ultimately lead to the death of each character. Then, in Perspolis, Marjane illustrates a true feminist by defending the values ​​of an independent woman without criticizing those who choose a more traditional lifestyle. Its meaning and purpose in life is to encourage female speech while living under a religious system that prefers to hide it. The show will provide viewers with visual representations throughout these narratives of different characters' struggles. On page 190 of Pesopolis, the transition is reflected in a series of panels in which she sheds the image she had in Iran for this newly found freedom of expression in Austria. This look and new environment help him struggle to cope with being a sex-positive supporter of an oppressive nation. Marjane refuses to “confess her sins” because she is proud of her boyfriend’s evening: “Can you explain to me what is indecent to do.