Answer to Question #302281 in English for Garg

Question

Discuss notions of patriarchy, power and violence in the story of Philomela.

Answer 1

Patriarchy is a social system in which men dominate responsibilities such as political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and property control. Some patriarchal societies are patrilineal, meaning the male bloodline inherits property and titles. power is the potential to control or influence other people's behavior or the course of events. The account of Philomela's rape and repression of speech by Tereus in Ovid's Metamorphoses parallels similar gender patterns of male dominance found throughout classical literature. Philomela's narrative is significant because it represents the difficulty people face in discussing events that have silenced them. Silencing is frequently enforced by people who possess positions of power and privilege in society. Although it can be difficult to speak the truth, whether due to incompetence or reluctance, it is critical that it be done because communication is frequently the only method to effect change or betterment. When people are unwilling or unable to speak up, issues can fester and go unnoticed. Philomela's quiet symbolizes women's silence throughout history and warns us that women can still be silenced and overpowered by their male counterparts today. The story of Philomela reminds me of Augustus' exile of Ovid because in both cases, a powerful person subdued a weaker person. Philomela eventually overcame her censorship by becoming a stunning singer. Similarly, while in exile, Ovid wrote or reworked some of his best works, including the Metamorphoses, Tristia, and Epistulae ex Ponto. Both Philomela and Ovid transcended their limitations to create works of art that are both beautiful and meaningful, the aspect of violence is seen where raping emerge in the story, where notably a wife killing her child in an act of revenge against her husband and incorporated them in his tragedy Tereus.