Myths on Patriarchal Hegemonic Societies. Literature & Language Essay

Student’s Name:
Tutor’s Name:
Course/Class:
Date:
Myths on Patriarchal Hegemonic Societies
Tales reflect diverse social subjects in communities, such as patriarchal hegemony. Myths are unsubstantiated metaphoric narrations. In some mythologies, there are instances where the mythic stories have challenged the conventional notions of patriarchal domination and authority. The traditional positions of the men in the society that have associated with masculinity have come under threat when women in mythic stories assume roles and responsibilities that would have otherwise being done by men. Surprisingly, contemporary societies are experiencing situations where women are assuming more active roles. This paper will discuss how specific two myths reflect an attack on patriarchal hegemony, in the context of myths origin, their relevance, and how these myths influence acceptance and equality. Femme fatale is a constructed concept which traces its roots to dominant patriarchal ideology, and it permeates history by outlining the catalysts that challenge the dominancy dimensions. A Femme fatale is an attractive, charming, luring, and seductive woman; she uses these qualities to cause to either blackmail or cause distress to man, in an attempt to gain power that is inherently bestowed upon the men. Myths that have patriarchal hegemony tend to have Femme fatale characters ordinarily.
Hebrew: Samson and Delilah (Leeming, p.226)
Samson and Delilah’s story is a biblical version of a patriarchal myth that is contained in the Book of Hebrews. Samson, as a Nazarite from Israel, was a judge of Israel at that time and is well known for his strength, which was hidden in his long hair. No one knew the source of his power till Delilah seductively outwitted him into revealing the origins of the energy. Samson became vulnerable to Delilah’s approach, and he reveals the source of his strength; this led to shaving of his hair, resulting in loss of power. This myth represents an emasculating feminine power, as demonstrated by the metaphoric cutting of a man's hair.
This myth originates from the context of the historical conflict between Israel and Philistine. Israel and philistine had were enemies; Samson used is dominant hyper-masculinity to control philistine. Philistine seemed overwhelmed and perturbed by Isreal’s power, which was being depicted by Samson’s masculine power. Philistine mounted efforts to tame Samson’s mysterious power. One such way was to use Delilai as sexual bait that would make Samson unravels the source of his strength.
Samson and Delilah’s story reflects a hegemonic rule in society. During episodes of confrontations with philistines, Samson, masculine identity to launch violence, and terror against philistines. Here, the masculine identity is espoused by Samson’s awareness as being circumcised, Jew, strong, and has long hair. He uses sexual power to gain control over women and to stage violence and war against men, especially philistines. Samson’s sexual prowess depicts dominance over philistine women, while the muscular power was aimed at controlling philistine men. It can be inferred that Samson's powered depict hegemonic control and the ‘feminization&rs...