Dr. Annette Yoshiko Reed, a Harvard Divinity School professor, specializes in early Christianity and Second Temple Judaism. In this conversation, she dives into ancient Jewish fan fiction and the complexities of ghostwriting in historical texts. The discussion explores angelic fall stories, gender dynamics in prophetic roles, and the nuances of female authorship in antiquity. Reed provocatively questions the implications of misogyny in ancient writings and highlights the often-suppressed voices of women, inviting a reexamination of gender in ancient narratives.
The podcast discusses the complex nature of authorship in ancient texts, particularly through the lens of ghostwriting and pseudepigraphy.
It also explores the dual portrayals of women in ancient narratives, highlighting the tension between vilification and the elevation of female voices.
Deep dives
The Complexity of Authorship and Ghostwriting
The discussion highlights the intricate nature of authorship, particularly in the context of ghostwriting, which raises questions about the true identity behind a written work. Ghostwriters often collaborate with well-known figures, resulting in works where the credited author may not have penned the majority of the text. Notable examples include Simone Biles' autobiography, co-written with Michelle Burford, and Prince Harry's book, which involves collaborator J.R. Moringer. This phenomenon complicates the perception of authorship, challenging readers to reconsider who should be seen as the true creator of written narratives.
Ancient Literary Practices and Female Voices
The episode sheds light on the historical instances of ghostwriting in the ancient literary landscape, particularly through the concept of pseudepigraphy. The practice allowed authors to write under the guise of prominent historical figures, such as Dionysus the Areopagite, whose works were produced centuries after his lifetime. Furthermore, the presence of women's voices in texts such as the Sibylline oracles reveals the construct of female authorship in antiquity, although these writings were frequently attributed to male figures. This dynamic leads to the challenge of accurately attributing the origins of various ancient texts and understanding how women's contributions have been obscured.
Portrayals of Women and Knowledge in Ancient Texts
The relationship between women and knowledge in ancient narratives often reflects a tension surrounding themes of temptation and purity. The biblical story of the Watchers illustrates how women were sometimes depicted as playing a detrimental role in the downfall of angels, associating them with illicit knowledge and divine chaos. Yet, contrasting interpretations also exist, notably in the story of Astra, a character who uses wisdom to outsmart an angel, leading to her elevation rather than punishment. This duality in portrayals emphasizes the complexity of historical narratives and the need for a nuanced understanding of women's roles in such texts.
Modern Interpretations and Historical Contexts
Contemporary scholars often approach ancient texts with a lens that presumes inherent misogyny, which can overlook the diverse ways in which these works might have been interpreted historically. The episode encourages listeners to recognize that modern assumptions about female representation may not align with ancient realities, where women's perspectives were sometimes elevated rather than demeaned. By considering how ancient authorship and societal norms shaped the narratives, it becomes clear that a singular modern interpretation can obscure rich historical complexities. Ultimately, this analysis promotes a more thoughtful engagement with ancient texts, urging readers to challenge their preconceived notions regarding gender and authorship.
We explore ancient Jewish fan fiction, why makeup made the angels fall, and the ever-present problem of ghostwriting with Dr. Annette Yoshiko Reed in Season 1 Episode 2, "Ghostwriting the Daughters of Men: Whose Writing Is it Anyway?"
You've heard of the human fall story in Genesis 3, but what about the angelic fall stories in Genesis 6, 1 Enoch, and the Testament of Reuben? How did the Third Sibylline Oracle try to one-up Homer? Does the male gaze operate the same way in ancient texts as in our modern world? And is the misogyny we find in ancient texts always misogyny? These questions and more!
Women Who Went Before is written, produced, and edited by Rebekah Haigh and Emily Chesley. The music is composed and produced by Moses Sun.
Episode show notes: https://womenwhowentbefore.com/ghostwriting-daughters-of-men/
Sponsored by the Center for Culture, Society, and Religion, the Program in Judaic Studies, and the Stanley J. Seeger Center for Hellenic Studies at Princeton University
Views expressed on the podcast are solely those of the individuals, and do not represent Princeton University.
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