International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

E-ISSN: 2582-2160     Impact Factor: 9.24

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 6 Issue 5 September-October 2024 Submit your research before last 3 days of October to publish your research paper in the issue of September-October.

Medusa's Evolution: From Mythological Monster to Feminist Icon – A Reflection of Shifting Societal Narratives?

Author(s) Alma Ali
Country India
Abstract This research paper analyses and compares the myth of Medusa in ancient and modern times, through literature, art, media, pop culture and psychoanalysis to determine whether the modern reinterpretation of Medusa’s story is a genuine transformation or merely a repurpose of Medusa’s image without addressing the deeper issues of gender, power and sexuality. By recasting Medusa into modern feminist narratives, scholars and philosophers like Freud, Lacan, Cixous and Butler help challenge the patriarchal narratives and try to subvert traditional gender roles. Through these feminist theories, we are able to overlook the traditional portrayal of Medusa with a fresh eye. Though there are limitations to interpretations of Medusa’s image, they are less in comparison to literature that has appropriately used the myth of Medusa to raise questions about violence and discrimination against women in modern times. The paper challenges whether modern reinterpretation is seen as Medusa’s “glow up” or “glow down” by examining examples of literature, art and pop culture.
Keywords medusa, monster, gorgon, greek mythology, gender, power, feminism, modern interpretations, sexuality, cultural representation, literature, art, psychoanalysis, male gaze, Ovid, Freud, Lacan, Cixous, Butler
Field Sociology > Linguistic / Literature
Published In Volume 6, Issue 5, September-October 2024
Published On 2024-09-30
Cite This Medusa's Evolution: From Mythological Monster to Feminist Icon – A Reflection of Shifting Societal Narratives? - Alma Ali - IJFMR Volume 6, Issue 5, September-October 2024. DOI 10.36948/ijfmr.2024.v06i05.28089
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2024.v06i05.28089
Short DOI https://doi.org/g59zsb

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