Historical writings seem to have two sides to them. They show us a clear picture of the past and what its societal norms used to be, and they also mirror our current culture and mores. Most of the time it is amazing when we realise that issues then are much the issues now. Whereas interpretations are different from one time period to the next, they still cause people to think about humans and how we function. This is what my impression was, when I read the two excerpts, the "Vagina Monologues" by Ensler and the "Penis Monologues" by Peace.
It is interesting to show that womens' anatomy is not talked about in our current society, as much as mens', as per these writings. In Diderot's "Indiscreet Jewels" two issues were brought forth. One, that whether women were discreet or not, about having multiple sexual partners, they never openly told anyone about them. Also that their "jewels" were not mentioned in society. Putting the two untalked-about issues together in the idea that the woman's vagina talked about that woman's lovers was a very satirical look at society's conventions. It ridiculed the idea of hidden adolatry and hypocracy. It fits in with the background of Diderot being a reformer and philosophe in eighteenth century France.
Contemporary writings such as the two monologues in the excerpt seem less sarcastic or satirical and more funny and open. They serve the same purpose to show that women's anatomies are not talked about openly as compared to mens'. Perhaps this shows a side of society that wants to keep the female body as a hidden, mystical being to pique the curiosity of men. Ensler writes "I guess it is that if we talk about something then we demystify it". That seems to be very true of the whole idea behind why men's anatomies are discussed more openly. Peace had a hilarious outlook on men's circumcision and their penises. He clearly talked about how good it felt for men to have an erection even if societal norms forbade that in public. He also mentioned how terrifying it was for a man to think of circumcision being performed on him. Both monologues can be used by contemporary families to teach their children about their respective anatomies and how to be comfortable with biological changes that occur over their lifespan.
Overall the two excerpts offered interesting viewpoints on male and female bodies as discussed in society.
Blog Activity: Vagina Monologues
Perspective and Sub-Text
Diderot’s Indiscreet Jewels and Ensler’s Vagina Monologues
The purpose of this activity is to compare two texts that address the same theme, and yet which were written several centuries apart and by authors of different gender. As you read these excerpts, I would like you to do the following:
(1) Compare and Contrast the two texts. Here are some questions to get you started, but you are by no means limited to these issues: Do they serve the same purpose (meaning, are they written as entertainment, Satire to correct social ills, informative news, etc.)? Do they invite the same type of reader? Do the authors share the same opinion about the subject matter? Stylistically, how do the two compare (look at the vocabulary, metaphors, grammar, voice, etc)? How does the gender of the author affect the style and content of the text? Do you feel each of these texts would be acceptable and useful in other centuries and cultures? Note the qualities that make them either “universal” or “limited.”
The Indiscreet Jewels by Denis Diderot (18th Century French Enlightenment male philosopher; written as a NOVEL)
Cucufa said, “I wish women to tell me of their amorous adventures past and present, and no more.” “But it is impossible,” said the genie, “to expect women to confess their adventures. That has never been and never shall be.” Then the genie said, “You see this ring? Put it on your finger, my son. Every woman toward whom you turn the stone will recount her intrigues in a loud, clear, and intelligible voice. But do not imagine that they speak through their mouths.” “From whence,” cried Mongogul, “shall they speak then?” “From the most honest part of them, and the best instructed in the things you desire to know, From their jewels.” “From their jewels!” repeated the sultan, bursting into laughter. “This is something new. Talking jewels! How preposterous!”…
First Test of the Ring: An emir consulted his mistress, Alcina, about the newspaper scandal of her reputed affairs with his mere squire. Alcina swore to him that the slander was the gossip of wretches who would have kept silent had they any reason to speak; furthermore, nothing had been done, and he was free to believe what he wanted. The sultan turned his ring toward her. A loud burst of laughter seized Alcina, and was suddenly syncopated by the workings of the ring. Immediately a murmuring noise was heard from beneath her petticoats: “Well, now I have a title. I am truly glad of it. There is nothing like having a station. Of course, if she had listened to my first advice, she could have found me something better than an emir. But still, an emir is better than nothing.” Silence fell and the jewel continued: “a husband must be an important guest, judging from the precautions taken to receive him. So many preparations! Two more weeks of this regimen would have been the end of me…in my opinion, the emir did not require such a fuss, although I understand my mistress’s prudence. She was preparing for the worst, and I was readied for the emir and his squire alike.” The sultan then turned his ring, the emir already having disappeared at the first words of his wife’s jewel, and Alcina, unabashed, feigned a fainting spell, then sat down to play cards as if her jewel had said nothing, or had said the nicest thing in the world.
Diderot’s Indiscreet Jewels and Ensler’s Vagina Monologues
The purpose of this activity is to compare two texts that address the same theme, and yet which were written several centuries apart and by authors of different gender. As you read these excerpts, I would like you to do the following:
(1) Compare and Contrast the two texts. Here are some questions to get you started, but you are by no means limited to these issues: Do they serve the same purpose (meaning, are they written as entertainment, Satire to correct social ills, informative news, etc.)? Do they invite the same type of reader? Do the authors share the same opinion about the subject matter? Stylistically, how do the two compare (look at the vocabulary, metaphors, grammar, voice, etc)? How does the gender of the author affect the style and content of the text? Do you feel each of these texts would be acceptable and useful in other centuries and cultures? Note the qualities that make them either “universal” or “limited.”
The Indiscreet Jewels by Denis Diderot (18th Century French Enlightenment male philosopher; written as a NOVEL)
Cucufa said, “I wish women to tell me of their amorous adventures past and present, and no more.” “But it is impossible,” said the genie, “to expect women to confess their adventures. That has never been and never shall be.” Then the genie said, “You see this ring? Put it on your finger, my son. Every woman toward whom you turn the stone will recount her intrigues in a loud, clear, and intelligible voice. But do not imagine that they speak through their mouths.” “From whence,” cried Mongogul, “shall they speak then?” “From the most honest part of them, and the best instructed in the things you desire to know, From their jewels.” “From their jewels!” repeated the sultan, bursting into laughter. “This is something new. Talking jewels! How preposterous!”…
First Test of the Ring: An emir consulted his mistress, Alcina, about the newspaper scandal of her reputed affairs with his mere squire. Alcina swore to him that the slander was the gossip of wretches who would have kept silent had they any reason to speak; furthermore, nothing had been done, and he was free to believe what he wanted. The sultan turned his ring toward her. A loud burst of laughter seized Alcina, and was suddenly syncopated by the workings of the ring. Immediately a murmuring noise was heard from beneath her petticoats: “Well, now I have a title. I am truly glad of it. There is nothing like having a station. Of course, if she had listened to my first advice, she could have found me something better than an emir. But still, an emir is better than nothing.” Silence fell and the jewel continued: “a husband must be an important guest, judging from the precautions taken to receive him. So many preparations! Two more weeks of this regimen would have been the end of me…in my opinion, the emir did not require such a fuss, although I understand my mistress’s prudence. She was preparing for the worst, and I was readied for the emir and his squire alike.” The sultan then turned his ring, the emir already having disappeared at the first words of his wife’s jewel, and Alcina, unabashed, feigned a fainting spell, then sat down to play cards as if her jewel had said nothing, or had said the nicest thing in the world.
Friday, December 12, 2008
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1 comment:
When I read Peace's "Penis Monologue", it appeared to me funny and easy to read. Nothing more than that. But after reading your post; you have open my eyes to another perspective. You mentioned that "both monologues can be used by contemporary families to teach their children about their respective anatomies and how to be comfortable with biological changes that occur over their lifespan". I think this could be very helpful for parenting, especially nowadays where a lack of communication is more noticeable between parents and children, and where parents and children seem to speak different languages. While doing research for this post,I found a website, "The Men's Story Project" http://www.mensstoryproject.org/ that I think is very interesting looking at.
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