libo_new

In the Arabian Nights, the portrayal of women appear to be either the faithless temptress wives with many wiles, or resourceful individuals who make their way (such as in business investments or managing their inheritance/households as well as sexual escapades) without men controlling their affairs. The two types are not necessarily exclusive. From a modern point of view, the stories are quite misogynist, many a times featuring men lamenting their women's perfidy (while they themselves were picking up the nth concubine), and some stories and verses appear to elevate honor killing. The entire framework for the stories - that of Sheherezade stopping the king's killing rampage of new brides - begins on the premise that the previous queen and concubines had betrayed the king. Interestingly, Sheherezade herself, a resourceful and courageous woman, would appear to belong to the latter category of women in the Nights, who tamed the king. Other times, the portrayal of the danger of feminine "wiles" is based on the notion that women are demanding and dangerously temperamental, which led men astray. Several stories feature men who lost limbs because they resorted to petty crimes such as theft to buy gifts for the women. A few stories even had the well-born lady demanding the man's thumbs cut off for not washing his hands after eating ragout before he touched her, just like a "commoner". (random...) The Arabian Nights seem to recognize that women are willful creatures, with needs, emotions, and appetites of their own and the resources to bypass patriarchal restrictions placed upon them. It isn't surprising that there have been attempts in the region throughout history to control women, how they dress, and when could they leave the home so not to get into "mischief". In a sense, it's possible that it shows that men bear a grudging fear of women, of their minds and their charms. The Nights are full of cautionary tales of men driven to debt, and becoming maimed or killed, from stealing an illicit glance at an unveiled woman. Kings, viziers, and merchants alike fall at the feet of strong-willed, "difficult" women. Perhaps that's why the region has historically been insecure and afraid of women, because they know women have the ability to run society without needing men if given the opportunity. Misogynist as it may sound, this view may be higher than the casual disdain for women and mockery of their minds depicted in western thoughts of yore.

2020-08-05 20:09