From an Angel to a Lethal Monster: Transformation and Subversion in the Story of Biblical Yael

This essay examines the character of biblical Yael oscillating between two patriarchal mythical images of femininity, as portrayed by Gilbert and Gubar—“the angel” and “the monster.” The argument arising is that the transition between these two polar and opposite characters occurs as an extreme resp...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Feminist theology
Main Author: Daniely, Dvora Lederman (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Sage [2020]
In: Feminist theology
IxTheo Classification:FD Contextual theology
HB Old Testament
Further subjects:B Transformation
B Gilbert and Gubar
B Sexual Abuse
B Song of Deborah
B Biblical Yael
Online Access: Presumably Free Access
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Description
Summary:This essay examines the character of biblical Yael oscillating between two patriarchal mythical images of femininity, as portrayed by Gilbert and Gubar—“the angel” and “the monster.” The argument arising is that the transition between these two polar and opposite characters occurs as an extreme response to oppression and injury, followed by a subversive and defying transformation. The essay points to the manner in which Yael’s story, which embodies this transformation, demonstrates how the female body is at the center of this conversion, not only as a site for patriarchal control and taming, but also as embodying a text of protest and opposition to this oppression. Yael’s story, as illustrated by this analysis, is revealed as a subversive tradition with radical feminist insights.
ISSN:1745-5189
Contains:Enthalten in: Feminist theology
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1177/0966735020944874