Literature, feminism and the prison of words

Literature has never failed to establish its ‘feminist critique’ disposition if you were to look around. Be it feminine allegories of nations (the gallantry Germania) or sharp tongued, ahead-of-their-time classic female protagonists (Elizabeth Bennet and Emma Woodhouse). The characters have had a subtle play of convention as well as outrageous unconventionality. They have shown that to be heard does not require a curt shout allows but a little good-natured impertinence now and then does no harm.

“You give your opinion very decidedly for so young a person.”, cries Lady de Bourgh in retaliation to the sharp remark Elizabeth makes about hers and her sisters’ fulfilled upbringing against the absence of a governess. Where one might be in awe of her confidence and pride it must be kept in mind that she has spoken and defended what was truly right and misjudged and not everything that may have got to her. It is not her outspokenness that should be celebrated but her poise, strength and composure for her routine impulsiveness has also led to scandal time and again. You are free to speak up and shout so let not that voice be entangled with ignorance.

Take a breath and question, “must this be said?”, if yes then leave no corner unechoed, unsung. As back in the 1800s satire driven caricatures filed the streets of Europe where men would sit with other fellow ‘thinkers’ club’ members with they had muzzle covers over their mouth. It indicated that they were to only think and with no voice whatsoever. Raise you hands for those times have been crushed behind! The world has been evidence of ‘men aren’t always right’. There are countless incidents to meander over but I think its safe to say that the winner is , “And then I see the disinfectant where it knocks it out in a minute …by injection inside or almost a cleaning”. Boo-yah Mr. President that’s a clean suggestion! On the greater salient note, remember while speaking, you could be liberating thoughts marked by history, remembered and lauded by all or you could be simply imprisoning them through caging, murdering words. The choice is per ser...

Written by Mannyaa Mishra, PR Officer