Joan of Arc was a symbol of feminist militant martyrdom and Ardor to 17th and 18th century feminists. The suffrage movement used Joan as an archetypal figure of holy and righteous militancy by women attempting to "re-inhabit the empty body of female allegory, to reclaim its meanings in behalf of the female sex." she represented the chastity, courage, and persecution of female militancy. Furthermore, Joan of Arc defied gender categories; Ironically, she transcended femininity while simultaneously representing femininity.
I find it interesting that now we look to the feminine literature when the author describes female sexuality, the power (in terms of sex, in many instances), and more. Yet, Joan of Arc is considered a woman who represents "womanhood" if you might call it.
ReplyDeleteWhere was this switch, maybe the lack of influence from the church? Because it seems to do with the celibacy and influence of having sex in regards to the role reversal of the female.