Gazing Away From Arthur: An In-Depth Analysis of Mulvey’s Male Gaze Theory Applied to Arthurian Literature S O F I A A C O S TA
Old
approach to understanding these perspectives
English Arthurian literature are riddled with
of the “male gaze,” one that can be applied
stereotypical gender norms, weak character
within the Arthurian narrative framework. By
development, and contrasting personality
using Mulvey’s theory as a critical approach
traits. It is important to note that there are
to dissecting Arthurian literature, we can
no records of Arthurian literature written by
further understand how the author’s “male
women until the nineteenth century. However,
gaze” influenced narratives written in relation
despite these common tropes, it is essential to
to women’s evolving roles in literature. This
recognize how these male-dominated works
modern approach enables us to see how
have been written to create these skewed
literature follows the attitudes of society
depictions. The literature—influenced by its
and women’s corresponding socio-political
authors—gives insight into how women were
positions in society, maintaining a gendered
viewed by their corresponding translations
culture that is still prominent today.
FEMALE
REPRESENTATIONS
IN
onto paper. Laura Mulvey’s Male Gaze Theory,
For a brief history, women’s roles within
from her infamous essay “Visual Pleasure
Arthurian literature were confined to religious
and Narrative Cinema,” offers a psychosocial
settings, children, marriage, and home life.
S O F I A AC O STA (’22) is a Los Angeles native and Biology and Journalism double major. Focusing on her passion for literary and feminist theory, this paper was written for an Arthurian Romance Histories class. Sofia loves reading, writing, and pursuing a holistic education inside and outside the classroom.
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