Describe the role of women in Renaissance literature
The Role Of Women In The Renaissance
Literature is defined as “writing in which expression and form are characteristic or essential features in poetry, novels, history, biography and essays.” Women in the Renaissance period were just that, essential features in literature.
At the beginning of the Renaissance period women’s roles in literature are described as “oppressive and restrictive.” Without the right to voice their opinion, women were subordinate to men. They were expected to display traditional gender roles by taking care of the home, children and listening to their superior which was man. If a woman was unmarried or a widowed, male relatives would be the one with the upper hand. Women were also considered “benefits of men” and must be virgins before marriage. Women who were not chastely were shunned and could lose any inheritance or way to the throne. If there was a child involved he or she would be considered illegitimate.
As the Renaissance age progressed into the Enlightenment period, the idea of women’s roles in literature slightly improved. Female authors were starting to emerge, challenging women’s part as silent homemakers. (2012) Renaissance Women’s roles states “Jean-Jacques Rousseau was on of those authors who provided knowledge on women versus men and their perceived roles in society.”
Women went from reading holy books and topics about moral philosophy to literature by women, which created discussions of art, philosophy and politics. (2012) Renaissance Women’s roles states, Many of the discussions were held in homes, one person in particular was Cecilia Gallerani. “Gallerani offered a voice for woman and organized gatherings of writers, philosophers, musicians and poets.” She is best known for Leonardo da Vinci’s painting “The Lady with an Ermin.”
Even though Rousseau and Galleriani provided women with knowledge on topics that were once untraditional, education was only available to improve women’s knowledge about their place in the home. Renaissance was a time of “rebirth” and that is exactly what woman’s roles in literature did: challenge the idea of women and society bringing the idea of feminism.
(2015). Women from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment [Lecture Notes]. Retrieved from http://www.saylor.org/courses/hist201/#8.2.3
(2012, December 26). Renaissance Women’s roles and images [Lecture Notes]. Retrieved from http://www.radford.edu/~rbarris/art462%20Renaissance/
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