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The Contemporary Transformation of Mythical Women: Helen and Penelope in Margaret Atwood’s Reconstruction
- 1 Shanghai International Studies University
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Abstract
The feminist movement has driven the reinterpretation of classical texts such as Homer’s epics, with Margaret Atwood’s works exemplifying this trend. Atwood has created poetry and novels rooted in the tradition of feminist rewriting, utilizing mythological female figures like Helen and Penelope to explore their inner worlds and unveil the long-concealed mechanisms of patriarchal power. Employing techniques such as multiple perspectives and nonlinear narratives, she disrupts the constraints of a singular authoritative discourse. By merging the ancient with the modern, Atwood highlights the shared experiences of women while portraying the awakening of female consciousness. She transforms the stereotypical images of the “whore” and the “virtuous wife” into complex, autonomous individuals, challenging traditional gender role definitions. Atwood’s rewritings are not merely retellings of the original stories but also explorations of the deeper structures of gender power. She weaves a rich cultural network of women, opening new frontiers for “literature of their own.”
Keywords
Atwood, Penelope, Helen, feminism
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Cite this article
Zhou,Y. (2024). The Contemporary Transformation of Mythical Women: Helen and Penelope in Margaret Atwood’s Reconstruction. Advances in Humanities Research,8,75-83.
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