Women Who Went Before Women Get a Head: Gender and Other Weapons
Nov 22, 2022
In this discussion, Dr. Caryn Tamber-Rosenau, an assistant professor at the University of Houston, unravels the compelling narratives of biblical heroines Judith and Jael. She delves into how these women defied patriarchal constraints using sexuality and cunning. The conversation explores their connections to figures like Clytemnestra and references to gender performance and queer theory. The analysis also touches on modern interpretations of these ancient stories, emphasizing female independence and empowerment in a historical context.
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Murder Mystery Femme Fatale
- In Agatha Christie's Butter in a Lordly Dish, a lawyer's lover, inspired by the biblical Yael, kills him.
- This illustrates how gender roles can be performed and subverted for ulterior motives.
Gender as Performance
- Gender performance goes beyond simply cross-dressing; it involves actions, language, and clothing choices.
- Cicero's accusation against Mark Antony and Thecla's story in The Acts of Paul and Thecla demonstrate how gender roles were performed and challenged.
Biblical Womanhood
- Biblical womanhood has multiple interpretations, including mothers, widows, and femme fatales.
- Judith and Yael, biblical heroines, use these archetypes to their advantage.
