Gender Roles and Gender Inequality in Ariadne by Jennifer Saint (2021)

Abstract

This research examines the representation of gender roles and inequalities in Jennifer Saint's novel Ariadne, a retelling of Greek mythology that brings feminist themes to the forefront. The study addresses how gender roles influence the lives and identities of female characters within the narrative, focusing on the societal expectations and patriarchal structures that define their experiences. The objective of this research is achieved through the application of two theories: Deaux & Lewis’ Gender Roles Theory, and Mansour Fakih’s Gender Inequality Theory. The analysis explores four aspects of gender roles—physical characteristics, occupation, speech, and personality traits—and five manifestations of gender inequality: marginalization, subordination, stereotypes, violence, and extra burden. The research data consists of passages from the novel that focus on data related to feminist perspectives. Findings reveal that Saint’s portrayal of female characters highlights the pervasive impact of gender roles, where physical appearance and social expectations limit women's autonomy. Furthermore, the novel critiques patriarchal norms through characters' struggles against societal constraints, underscoring issues of power and independence. The study concludes that Ariadne challenges traditional narratives by reinterpreting mythological themes through a feminist lens, illustrating the ongoing relevance of gender discussions in literature. This work contributes to the field by demonstrating how literature can address contemporary gender issues through historical and mythological narratives.