Changing Views of Women in France
Joan of Arc (1412-1431) has long been a national heroine, even before she was officially declared a saint in 1920. For her fellow French countrymen, she’s long been associated with holiness, courage, and patriotism.
During the French Revolution in the 1790’s, the new French Republic developed a key feminine symbol. In honor of the women who stormed the Bastille and helped spearhead the revolution, Marianne became a personification of Reason and Liberty, and like the Republic itself, she promised a new era of gender equity.
But Vichy France, like the Nazis who wielded real influence, was uncomfortable with these strong portrayals of femininity. Images of Marianne were removed from coins and government buildings. Instead, conservatives moved to replace Marianne with a watered-down version of Joan of Arc. In the Vichy-sanctioned re-telling of her story, Joan is portrayed as an obedient, frail young girl who loved France; there was no mention of her military prowess or ability to lead thousands of soldiers from both peasant and aristocratic classes.
In a thoughtful brief essay of around 250 words, consider the following:
- How does Anouilh’s Antigone especially his heroine relate to these different portrayals of women in French culture? Why does he deliberately challenge the idea of quiet, obedient womanhood the government was advocating? Does this reveal something about Anouilh’s political and social views?
- Look up each of the following men; consider their ideologies, values, and politics. Then, choose one who seems most intriguing. Imagine he has just returned from the premiere of Anouilh’s Antigone. How would he react to the play? Which characters would he support or condemn? What would your figure think of Creon’s use of power? What would he make of Anouilh’s politics? What steps might he try to take to reward or condemn the playwright?