Women in Madness in Literature

The podcast episode explores the topic of women in madness, specifically in literature. The speaker discusses how ancient archetypes of crazed women, such as the medias, medusas, furies, harpies, and maenads, continue to influence our understanding of madness in women. The speaker highlights the distinction between the rage-filled, violent representation of madness in ancient times and the more haunted, depressive version in modern literature. The podcast also delves into the influence of patriarchy on the portrayal of madness in women and how it has shaped societal perceptions. The discussion acknowledges the impact of gender and trauma on the manifestation of madness in both women and men.