Excluding Females in Religious and Literary Literature: A Closer Look at Widely Recognized Female Figures

In the realm of literature and religious texts, male characters often capture the spotlight, overshadowing their female counterparts. Letrsquo;s delve into why this exclusion occurs and explore some well-known female characters that have managed to break through the barriers in their respective genres.

Female Figures in Literature

Literary works, especially in the English language, frequently highlight male figures such as Romeo, Juliet, and Hamlet. However, upon closer inspection, we find that the female characters are often sidelined. As an example, Juliet and Hamlet, two of the most famous characters from Shakespearersquo;s plays, receive significant attention. Contrast this with Ophelia, a character who also appears in Hamlet, yet rarely gets the same acknowledgment.

Another notable character is Hermione Granger from J.K. Rowlingrsquo;s Harry Potter series. Despite her essential role in the narrative, she does not share the spotlight with the male characters like Harry Potter. Similarly, Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is a prominent female character. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardobe and Harry Potter and the Philosopherrsquo;s Stone also feature well-known female characters, Lucy and Hermione respectively, though the top ten best-selling English works with female leads do not follow this trend.

Prominent Female Characters in Religious Literature

Religious literature often excludes prominent female figures as well. One such figure is Morgan le Fay from the Arthurian legends. Though her character has been reinterpreted numerous times, her significance remains. If we consider other non-religious works for comparison, Alice from Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll is highlighted. She is a character that has stood the test of time and continues to be widely recognized.

Female Characters in Adapted Media

When it comes to film, several prominent female characters come to mind, such as Princess Leia from Star Wars, Elizabeth Shaw (played by Sigourney Weaver) in Alien, Anna Scott in Notting Hill, Vivian Ward (played by Julia Roberts) in Pretty Woman, Andie McDowellrsquo;s character Rita in Groundhog Day, and Lois Lane from Superman (or rather, Superman comics). If we push the media realm even further, Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz holds a special place.

Including Television

Television has provided a platform for female characters that have become iconic. Characters like Rachel, Monica, and Phoebe from Friends, Buffy Summers from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Xena, the Warrior Princess from Xena: Warrior Princess all stand out. The consistent airing of Friends has made these characters particularly memorable to multiple generations of viewers.

Real-Life Inspirations in Literature

A specific example can be drawn from Louisa May Alcottrsquo;s Little Women. In this novel, Jo, the protagonist, is depicted as a flawed, yet intriguing character. She is engrossed in writing her book and carefully lays out each page on a 20 by 20 floor pattern in her attic, showcasing her dedication. Despite her parents being away, and her siblings facing various challenges, Jo carries on her writing, mirroring the perseverance of many real-life individuals. The book highlights the struggles and hopes of women during the late 19th century, offering a compelling glimpse into their lives.

However, despite their importance, female characters often face challenges and obstacles that are not as highlighted as those faced by male characters. This can be seen in characters like Louisa May Alcottrsquo;s Jo, who faces societal expectations and familial pressures, much like the complex situations depicted in Blood In Blood Out.

Conclusion

The underrepresentation of female characters in both religious and literary works is a persistent issue. Nevertheless, we can identify and celebrate the exceptional female figures that have made a significant impact in their respective fields. From literature to films and television, these characters inspire us to break barriers and challenge stereotypes.