WOMEN; perspective of well-known feminist critics

Women; Where Lies Their Place in Society 

“One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman;” as Simone de Beauvoir had famously written in her book, The Second Sex, where she illustrated how women were treated throughout history. The concepts of ‘masculinity’ and ‘femininity’ were two of her primary focuses. As a student of feminist theory, I found Beauvoir’s approach stimulating. Also, she disagreed with Sigmund Freud’s attitude towards the social construct, which I considered exceptionally interesting.

Reading The Second Sex, I found the author’s voice very engaging. Despite the dense character of the text, it was a pleasure to read. In comparison to the other texts, The Second Sex was very clear and purposeful. However, I found the structure rather challenging. The book is not divided into sections, which may appear to be confusing. As suggested earlier, Beauvoir had made some rather remarkable points in The Second Sex, which I would like to expound on further.

“She [woman] is defined and differentiated with reference to man and not he with reference to her; she is the incidental, the inessential as opposed to the essential. He is the Subject, he is the Absolute - she is the Other.” Via this quote, Beauvoir exposed her perception of the social construct. She argued that ‘masculinity’ and ‘femininity’ were placed on different social levels. Beauvoir explored people’s associations with both terms to validate her original argument. I consider this approach to be very insightful. Before Beauvoir arrived at any conclusion, she cautiously examined how both terms were perceived among society. For me, this reinforced the importance of exploring every accessible aspect before starting a conclusion.

With confidence in her theory, Beauvoir took issue with some of the opinions of Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis. Freud claimed that women’s social status had been established based exclusively on biological inheritance. Beauvoir, however, wrote, "No biological, psychological or economic fate determines the figure that the human female presents in society; it is civilization as a whole that produces this creature, [...].” Through this statement, Beauvoir rejected the biological approach and maintained her own instead. I regard this attitude as a very strong, if not courageous. By this, I learn that even women can enforce their theories and beliefs. If they possess strong arguments and self-resolution, nothing can stop them from their actions.

Beauvoir’s The Second Sex had altered my perception of feminist movements. Before, I was engaging with the topic from the perspective of women demonstrating out on the streets. Beauvoir taught me there may be another way of approaching the phenomenon of feminism.

I would highly recommend Beauvoir’ The Second Sex to those, who either aim to study feminism or are simply interested in the topic. I consider Beauvoir as a very insightful critic, and I believe she is seen in this light by many others as well.

Enriched with knowledge of Beauvoir’s attitude to feminism, I aim to study this philosophy further. The way Beauvoir discusses the issues in The Second Sex is very thought-provoking. I intend to study other critics’ works as well as hers. I want to familiarize myself with various perspectives to be able to see into the core of the phenomenon. Above all, I want Beauvoir and other critics’ legacy to remain and to be recognized by the generations to come.

Women Must Write; in Order To Be Recognized

“Woman must write her self: must write about women and bring women to writing, from which they have been driven away as violently as from their bodies - […].” Hélène Cixous begins her critical essay, The Laugh of the Medusa, with one of her major points; ‘the feminine mode of writing.’ I was intrigued by Cixous’ theory of the ‘feminine mode of writing.’ It invoked the early waves of feminism with some new aspects. It was this concept that warranted further comment.

Throughout The Laugh of the Medusa, Cixous maintains a resolute and straightforward voice. Cixous’ intentions with femininity were complex. This caused her prose to be very dense. Compared to the other texts, it was a challenge to fully comprehend Cixous’ writing. The work warranted several re-reads. On further analysis, my understanding of the text developed. This made me adequately prepared for the class’ discussion, where I could present the points I found the most beneficial.

“It is impossible to define a feminine practice of writing, […], for this practice will never be theorized, enclosed, encoded – which doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.” As suggested earlier, Cixous was pursuing the so-called ‘feminine mode of writing.’ Although she could not clarify it, she was perfectly conscious of its purpose. ‘Feminine mode of writing’ was meant to act as subversion and disruption of the conventional social construct. Cixous intended to go beyond any conventions. She aimed to break the old social frameworks and establish new ones, for “the future must no longer be determined by the past.”

I see Cixous’ intention as resolute and courageous. She expressed a clear vision of what she had striven for. This shows me what an individual is capable of. From Cixous’ character, I learn that almost anything is possible, if you are determined to do whatever it takes to accomplish it.

Reading Cixous’ critical writing was a valuable experience for a young writer like myself. She enriched me with another feminist approach and deepened my knowledge. Before analyzing this work in depth, it would have never occurred to me that feminism could be so keenly connected to writing. After reading The Laugh of the Medusa, I came to understand how significant this connection was. Also, I learnt how powerful writing could be, when being used as a tool for expressing one’s self. Compared with the previous critics we have studied, I would consider Cixous’ experience as one of the most intriguing, as well as beneficial for my personal growth.

“Write, let no one hold you back, let nothing stop you: […];” as well as Cixous encourages women of her time, she encourages me. In the future, I intend to devote myself to writing even more. Cixous taught me how influential writing can be, which I aim to employ in practice. She used Greek mythology as an important vehicle to highlight the feminist struggle. This use of Greek mythology to illustrate important points resonated with me. As someone who studied Greek mythology, the connection was undeniable.

Hereby, I want to advise anyone who decides to read Cixous’ work; persist in reading her The Laugh of the Medusa, despite its complexity, for it will enrich you with new approaches, knowledge and engaging theories which you may find useful later in life.